MIO (Maritime Interdiction Operation)

A maritime interdiction operation, MIO, is a naval action to stop, board, search, and where warranted seize or divert a vessel to enforce a sanctions regime, an arms embargo, or a counter-proliferation or counter-narcotics mandate. The authority is usually a UN Security Council resolution, flag-state consent, or the UNCLOS Article 110 right of visit. An MIO escalates beyond mere interception by putting a boarding party aboard; a non-compliant or opposed boarding raises the force level and the legal scrutiny of each step taken.