(VOVworld) – The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution allowing the EU to expand its naval operations in the Mediterranean off the Libyan coast. The resolution was drafted by the UK and France to intercept ships suspected of arms smuggling to Libya as part of Operation Sophia. EU ships engaged in Operation Sophia are already tasked with seizing refugee-smuggling vessels.

This file photo shows Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi cruising in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. (Photo: PressTV)

Security Council President Francois Delattre said the resolution "would have the means to enforce the arms embargo on Libya".

Russia’s Deputy UN Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov said the resolution doesn’t address the need for a united security force in Libya. He said Russia will closely monitor ships joining Operation Sophia, and carefully consider requests from the Libyan unity government for lifting the arms embargo.