European Union (EU) nations approved plans on Monday (May 18) for an unprecedented naval mission starting next month to fight human traffickers. (Photo: The Malaysian Times)

(VOVworld) - EU members approved plans on Monday for a naval mission to combat organized migrant trafficking crimes across the Mediterranean.

The scheme backed by foreign and defence ministers during the bloc’s ministerial meeting in Brussels will start next month.

Entitled the EU Navfor Med, the military operation will involve EU warships and maritime surveillance aircrafts on Libyan waters, the main departure of smugglers’ vessels carrying illegal migrants into the Europe.

The headquarters of the mission will be situated in Rome and led by Italian Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino.

The UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain have already promised to deploy warships for the mission.

EU officials are seeking a UN mandate for the mission to create a firm foundation for chasing smugglers and destroying their boats.