Polish aircraft supports EU inspection of shadow fleet tanker

According to a communiqué from the Armed Forces Operational Command, the Polish contingent’s aircraft provided aerial support for the EU forces during the inspection. The operation, carried out west of the Italian island of Pantelleria, confirmed – as emphasised – the high level of training, professionalism, and effective cooperation between the nations participating in the mission.

As reported by Reuters, the tanker Toa Payoh, sailing under the flag of Cameroon from the port of Cotonou in Benin to Istanbul, was intercepted by the Italian ship Thaon di Revel – the flagship of Operation IRINI. The captain was initially uncooperative, which led Italian personnel to be deployed onto the deck via helicopter. The inspection, aimed at verifying the vessel’s nationality and the legality of its flag, lasted approximately two hours and concluded without incident. A Greek surface vessel also participated in the operations.

The EUNAVFOR MED IRINI mission, established by the European Union, is responsible for, among other tasks, enforcing the arms embargo on Libya and countering illicit oil exports. In recent months, its mandate has been expanded to include the verification of vessels suspected of belonging to the Russian „shadow fleet”. The Armed Forces Operational Command highlighted that the participation of Polish forces in the operation is an expression of allied solidarity and a commitment to ensuring security in the region.