One potential advantage for the EU in terms of COMINT in the Libyan theatre is that the majority of communications used by individuals and groups involved in sanctions violations and human trafficking will be commercial systems which maybe relatively easy to intercept and decrypt. As with any military operation, gathering SIGINT and teaming this with other intelligence sources forms a vital part of the overall intelligence jigsaw supporting situational awareness at the operational and tactical levels. Once these devices are matched to the person then it becomes possible to keep tabs on their movements as every time they use their device they can be detected by COMINT gathering assets. Imagery intelligence gathered on specific individuals can be matched with COMINT concerning the communications devices they are using. It may be possible to demodulate and decrypt some of the communications to extract valuable intelligence on the activities of these individuals. COMINT will probably focus on gathering information on communications traffic from those suspected or involved in sanctions busting and people smuggling. An EU spokesperson told Armada Analysis that materiel contributions were currently under discussion, but that they are likely to include warships, aircraft and satellites: “Aerial assets will operate in international airspace off the coast of Libya” with satellites used to collect relevant imagery as and when required.Īlthough not explicitly revealed by the EU it is clear that signals intelligence gathering, chiefly Communications Intelligence (COMINT), will be key to enhancing situational awareness during Operation Irini. Operation Irini will run until 31st March 2021 and will comprise space, naval and airborne assets to enforce the embargo and to assist other aspects of the mission’s mandate. The latter will house the operation HQ with the force HQ afloat, EU sources told the author. The mission will be commanded by Rear Admiral Fabio Agostini of the Marina Militare (Italian Navy) and will be commanded from the EU NAVFOR Mediterranean headquarters (HQ) in Rome. It will enhance the training of the Libyan Navy and Coast Guard in law enforcement at sea and work to disrupt human trafficking and people smuggling from the country, according to an official announcement by the EU. Specifically, the EU’s efforts will gather information concerning illicit exports of oil, petroleum and refined hydrocarbons from the war-torn country.

Armada navales de superficie