The UN Security Council on Friday approved a European military operation to seize and destroy boats used by migrant smugglers in the Mediterranean after thousands died in dangerous crossings.
The British-drafted resolution authorizing the use of force won UN backing as Europe struggles to mount a response to its worst refugee crisis since World War II.
European warships on Wednesday launched Operation Sophia to seize traffickers’ boats in international waters off Libya’s coast, in the second of a three-phase campaign to stem the flow of migrants.
