UN authorises interception of ships smuggling arms to Libya

The UN Security Council on Tuesday authorised an EU naval force to intercept ships suspected of arms smuggling to Libya, moving to shore up Tripoli's unity government as it battles the Islamic State group.

The council unanimously adopted a resolution drafted by Britain and France that expands the mission of Operation Sophia, which has been combating migrant-smuggling in the Mediterranean.

Operation Sophia's enforcement of the arms embargo would help shore up the UN-backed unity government as it struggles to establish its authority over the entire north African country.

Militias loyal to the new government of Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj have been battling to retake from IS extremists the key city of Sirte.

The resolution invokes Chapter 7 of the UN charter, which allows for the use of military force.

It grants a 12-month mandate to EU vessels to "inspect, without undue delay, on the high seas off the coast of Libya, vessels bound to, or from Libya which they have reasonable grounds to believe are carrying arms or related material to or from Libya."

The resolution invokes Chapter 7 of the UN charter, which allows for the use of military force.

Libya descended into chaos during the 2011 uprising against Moammar Gadhafi and the new government of Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj set up office in Tripoli only two months ago.

The arms embargo was imposed on Libya in 2011, but UN sanctions monitors have reported shipments from Egypt, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Sudan to various factions.

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin last week expressed concerns that the measure could create "suspicion against any party" and negotiations have focused on Moscow's proposed changes.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini asked the council last week to endorse the naval mission's expanded mandate, saying it would "make the Mediterranean a safer place."

Libya is awash with weapons, with some 20 million pieces of weaponry in a country of six million people, according to the United Nations.