EU okays use of force against human traffickers (2)

(ANSA) - Brussels, September 14 - The European Union's 28 member States on Monday gave official approval for the launch of "phase two" of the EuNavFor Med naval mission, including the use of force against human traffickers in the Mediterranean if necessary. The proposal was approved 'without debate' by the General Affairs Council. The mission is expected to be operative by early October. The naval mission, launched after calls from Italy for more assistance from the EU in dealing with the migrant emergency, features the active hunting down and arrest of human traffickers and the confiscation or destruction of boats.