The UK is set to send a Royal Navy warship to the Mediterranean to help tackle arms smuggling in Libya, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced. That reported by www.african-defense.com.

He told the G7 summit in Japan the UK was ready to take an “active leadership role” in helping Libya deal with people trafficking and the migration crisis.

The UK already has a survey vessel, HMS Enterprise, operating in the area.

Officials are to seek UN approval for the new warship to seize boats taking arms to so-called Islamic State.

Last week, the new Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya asked the European Union – which is running a mission, called Operation Sophia, in the area – for more assistance.

It requested help in training its navy and coastguard, as well as stopping the trafficking of migrants across the Mediterranean.

The GNA is also believed to be considering a request for international ships to operate in Libyan waters.