On 2 February, Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR Somalia – Operation Atalanta, Rear-Admiral Peter Hudson, was in Brussels and briefed the press on developments regarding this counter-piracy operation.
Admiral Hudson confirmed that the ongoing operation had been a success since EU NAVFOR started just over one year ago. The overall number of successful attacks (hijackings) had been reduced considerably in the Gulf of Aden although success in that area had pushed the pirates further out into the Indian Ocean. He also highlighted the fact that many of the ships hijacked were not registered with MSC HOA, were not reporting to UKMTO and were not following Best Management Practice. (BMP)
The briefing was also an opportunity to look at the new CSDP training mission to contribute to the training of the National Security Forces of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia as part of the EU's overall engagement in the region. The support to Somalia and the TFG was also highlighted and this coordinated approach to countering piracy, bolstering the TFG as well as building upon and supporting the institutions within Somalia shows the EUs commitment to that country and the region.
EUNAVFOR SOMALIA Operation ATALANTA main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the ‘World Food Program’ (WFP), to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy.
Admiral Hudson confirmed that the ongoing operation had been a success since EU NAVFOR started just over one year ago. The overall number of successful attacks (hijackings) had been reduced considerably in the Gulf of Aden although success in that area had pushed the pirates further out into the Indian Ocean. He also highlighted the fact that many of the ships hijacked were not registered with MSC HOA, were not reporting to UKMTO and were not following Best Management Practice. (BMP)
The briefing was also an opportunity to look at the new CSDP training mission to contribute to the training of the National Security Forces of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia as part of the EU's overall engagement in the region. The support to Somalia and the TFG was also highlighted and this coordinated approach to countering piracy, bolstering the TFG as well as building upon and supporting the institutions within Somalia shows the EUs commitment to that country and the region.
EUNAVFOR SOMALIA Operation ATALANTA main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the ‘World Food Program’ (WFP), to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy.