AYA 1

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Vessel with military vehicles detained in Astakos

The 'Aya 1', carrying hundreds of military armoured vehicles en route from Jebel Ali, was detained in Astakos on July 27, 2025, before being allowed to continue its journey to the port of Misurata. On its way to Libya, it was initially stopped by a Dutch frigate operating under the European Union’s Operation IRINI. The EU’s Operation has previously intercepted similar shipments, including vessels transporting armoured vehicles and other weaponry to Libyan ports.The control of the 'Aya 1' was later transferred to the Italian navy frigate ITS 'Morosini', which escorted it to the port of Astakos, where the vessel was detained and searched. Although the cargo manifest listed cosmetics, cigarettes and electronic goods, initial inspections reportedly uncovered over 350 armoured vehicles and other military equipment on board. The ship was initially destined for territories controlled by General Khalifa Haftar in eastern Libya. However, after a diplomatic intervention by Greece’s Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and following the personal involvement of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotaki, the vessel was eventually cleared to sail. It arrived in Misrata on Aug 3. While the exact details of the cargo remained undisclosed, the incident raised fresh concerns about ongoing violations of the arms embargo and the role of international actors in Libya’s conflict.