The UN Security Council on Friday approved a European military operation to seize and dispose of boats run by migrant smugglers in the Mediterranean off Libya’s coast.

The 15-member council adopted a resolution by a vote of 14 in favour, with Venezuela abstaining.

The British-drafted resolution authorizing the use of force won UN backing as Europe struggles to mount a response to its worst refugee crisis since World War II.

European warships on Wednesday launched Operation Sophia to seize traffickers’ boats in international waters off Libya’s coast, in the second of a three-phase campaign to stem the flow of migrants.

British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told the council the military action would save lives by taking aim at human-trafficking gangs.

“These groups have no respect for human life,” he said.

“They exploit those taking the perilous journey across the Mediterranean, they overfill poorly maintained boats, ill-suited to such a difficult crossing, and abandon their passengers at the first sign of trouble.”

This year alone, 3,092 people have died while crossing the Mediterranean to Europe, while more than half a million have made the voyage, mostly landing in Greece and Italy, according to the International Organization for Migration.

In June, the European Union launched the first phase of the operation, which involved monitoring trafficker networks and rescuing refugees from rickety boats.

The UN mandate does not oblige the European Union to take action but does provide Operation Sophia with greater legitimacy.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini described the resolution as “an important political endorsement by the international community” of the EU maritime force and its operation on the high seas.

The measure was adopted under Chapter 7 of the UN charter, which authorizes use of force, but it limits the UN mandate to a period of one year.