The operating range of the EU's Triton patrol and rescue operation is being extended to 138 nautical miles south of Sicily, Ansa reported quoting the Frontex border agency.

It said the development came after the signing of a new mission remit with three times the original funding and resources. Three planes, six ships, 12 patrol boats and two helicopters will now be in use.

The extended range brings Triton's remit close to that of the highly praised Italian Mare Nostrum op which ended last year after saving some 170,000 migrants. The decision to beef up Triton was taken after a disaster claimed 800 lives off Libya.

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