Aircraft
EU Leaders Mull Military Action To Destroy People-Smuggling Vessels
Possible roles for UAVs considered after current patrol and rescue efforts deemed inadequate.
Some 21,000 illegal migrants from Egypt and Libya are believed to have crossed the Mediterranean Sea and landed in Italy this year. (Photo: Frontex)
Some 21,000 illegal migrants from Egypt and Libya are believed to have crossed the Mediterranean Sea and landed in Italy this year. (Photo: Frontex)

Faced with unprecedented numbers of illegal migrants from Africa and the Middle East attempting to reach Europe’s southern borders, European leaders are considering military action to destroy the boats used by people smugglers before they set sail from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Since the start of 2015, mMore than 21,000 people are believed to have landed in Italy on boats from Egypt and Libya alone since the beginning of this year. More than 1,500 are believed to have drowned at sea.