Germany has announced a halt to its participation in Operation Sophia, the EU naval mission targeting human trafficking in the Mediterranean. The Berlin government's decision relates to Italy’s reluctance to allow rescued people on its soil. At sea, the decision will result will mean that the frigate Augsburg, currently stationed off the coast of Libya, will not be replaced next month, Bundeswehr Inspector General Eberhard Zorn told members of the Bundestag. Despite this, the 10 German soldiers currently deployed at the operation’s headquarters will stay at least until the end of March 2019.