UN Extends Searches on High Seas off Libya for Illegal Arms

A boarding team inspects the Merchant Vessel Royal Diamond 7, in international waters, 150 kilometers north of the Libyan city of Derna, on Sept. 10, 2020, as the European Union maritime force enforced the UN arms embargo on Libya. (EUNAVFOR Med Irini/Italian Defense Ministry via AP)

The UN Security Council approved a resolution Friday extending the authorization for countries and regional organizations to inspect vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya suspected of violating the UN arms embargo on the troubled north African nation.

The vote on the French-sponsored resolution was 14-0, with Russia abstaining. The brief resolution extends the authorization for inspections for a year.