07/10/2015 (Agence Europe) - Sophia (EUNAVFOR Med) operation moves on to phase II. As agreed at the political level on 28 September (see EUROPE 11399), the EU's naval operation against human smugglers and traffickers in the Mediterranean - EUNAVFOR Med-Sophia - moved on to phase II on Wednesday 7 October. Those taking part in the operation can now board, search, seize and divert vessels at sea that are suspected of being used for human smuggling or trafficking, in compliance with international law. The operation can currently count on six naval units: the Italian flagship Cavour and two German, one British, one French and one Spanish warship. It can also count on seven planes and helicopters. According to the EUNAVFOR Med press release, three other vessels will joint the naval force in the area of operation in a “few weeks”. (CG)