EU Launches Mediterranean Operation

The European Union launched a naval operation Monday in an effort to stop human-traffickers from bringing migrants across the Mediterranean to Europe.

The operation will take place in international waters and airspace until the EU can secure a United Nations Security Council resolution endorsement and permission from Libyan officials to enter their territory.

Politically sensitive actions such as boarding or destroying smuggling boats are expected in later phases of the operation.

More than 100,000 migrants have entered Europe so far this year via the Mediterranean Sea.