Brussels, 14/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - The Frontex agency has indicated that it has received technical support from 15 European countries, including 12 member states for the launch of Operation Triton at the start of November. This operation will be deployed in the central Mediterranean, merging the existing operations Hermes and Aeneas, and it will allow Italy to bring its Mare Nostrum operation to an end. The contributing countries are: Finland, France, Iceland, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, which will provide technical equipment. Border control and debriefing officers will be made available by Spain, France, Romania, Switzerland, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Austria and Poland. Frontex is planning monthly deployment of two open patrol vessels, two coastal patrol vessels, two coastal patrol boats, two aircraft and a helicopter. Triton will be under the command of Italy which will also be responsible for the migrants intercepted. Frontex will also assist Italy in its investigations into people-smuggling networks and will send five debriefing teams. The agency has, however, issued a fresh call to boost the contribution from member states to Triton. The first objective of the operation is to intercept migrants trying to enter the EU illegally. It will also be required to provide help and assistance to migrants in distress, Frontex states. (SP)