EU to begin Somali pirate patrols

Created by sue. Last modified on 2008-12-08 14:01:52
Topic: Piracy Reports 2008
Countries: Somalia

As reported by the BBC News.

European Union warships and aircraft are due to launch anti-piracy patrols off the Somali coast from today.

At least four ships and two observation planes from several EU countries, including the UK, France and Greece, will escort aid and merchant ships.

The area, including one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, the Gulf of Aden, has seen almost 100 pirate attacks this year.

It is the first naval operation in the bloc's history.

It will take over from the existing Nato mission and last at least a year.

The goal is not only to increase security for seafarers and shipping in the hazardous Somali waters, but to help in the delivery of food aid to Somalia.