Italy intends to deploy several ships in Libyan waters by the end of August to combat human trafficking and stem a huge influx of immigrants, a government source said on Thursday.

A mission plan should be brought to the Cabinet for approval on Friday, and the necessary parliamentary vote to endorse it may be held next week, the source said.

¡°The exact number of ships and sailors is still being worked out,¡± said the source. If parliament approves, the mission might begin by the end of August, he said.