27/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - EUNAVOR MED-Sophia operation leads to 43 arrests. Since the launch of EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia, on 22 June, 43 people have been reported to the Italian authorities as suspect smugglers and 46 boats have been removed from illegal organisations, EUNAVFOR MED announced in a press release on Thursday 26 November. EUNAVFOR Sophia has helped save more than 5,700 people. Operation Sophia moved into phase 2 on 7 October (see EUROPE 11405). This phase involves the boarding, search, seizure and diversion, on the high seas, of vessels suspected of being used for people smuggling or trafficking. Suspected smugglers are handed over to the Italian authorities. (CG)