As migrant arrivals soar on Crete’s southern shores, Greece is sending naval forces to confront what officials fear could become a new mass migration wave. Smugglers are reportedly directing boats from Libya’s east to the Greek islands, exploiting a route that has seen a 174% rise in arrivals since last year.
Over 7,300 migrants have landed on Crete and Gavdos this year alone. Emergency shelters are overwhelmed, and with no registration centres, the situation is growing critical.
The mission, backed by European and Libyan coordination, will patrol south of Crete in hopes of stemming the tide.