US to lead naval task force to fight pirates off Somali coasts

January 10, 2008 (LONDON) — The United States called to join a new international naval force to battle pirates off the Somali coast saying the military coalition will be under the American command.

Some 23 countries will contribute to the force, according to the US Fifth Fleet, which is coordinating the operation out of Bahrain. Commanded by U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Terence McKnight of the US navy, the task force expected to start work next week.

The announcement did not mention the countries participating in the counter-piracy force, but it would include nations with ships already in the region according to Jane Campbell, a spokeswoman for U.S. 5th Fleet based in Bahrain.

Currently there are more than a dozen warships guarding Somalia’s waters. The U.S., Britain, China, France, Germany, Iran, Russia and India have naval forces off the Somali coast. Spain is the latest nation to send troops to the region. Some 395 military personnel and a patrol plane will be sent by Madrid. The force includes a frigate and a supply ship.

The naval coalition will have no wider authority to strike at pirate vessels at sea or move against havens on shore. However the new command is expected to coordinate the activities of the existing warships and make it more efficient.

The European Union set up an anti-piracy naval force under British command in the region last month, using warships and aircraft from several nations.

In 2008, there were nearly 100 pirate attacks in Somali waters, with about 40 ships taken. The pirates are still holding at least 14 vessels, including the Faina, a Ukrainian ship loaded with tanks and other arms allegedly to Southern Sudan army.

(ST)