International force to battle Somali pirates

A NEW international force to battle pirates off the Somali coast is being formed under American command in an attempt to focus more military resources to protect one of the world’s key shipping lanes, the US Navy said yesterday.

But the new mission, expected to begin operations next week, will have no wider authority to strike at pirate vessels at sea or move against havens on shore. That raises questions whether it can significantly curb pirate flotillas after more than 110 ships were attacked last year.

International efforts to fight piracy have mounted in recent months. More than 20 nations are expected to take part in the new US-led mission.

“This task force does not have any greater rules of engagement,” said Cmdr Jane Campbell, a spokeswoman for US 5th Fleet based in Bahrain. “It does, however, bring a greater focus to counter-piracy operations under one command.”

That could lead to more targeted strategies to foil the pirates at sea and gain information on their operations, Campbell said.

There are more than a dozen warships guarding Somalia’s waters. Countries including the US, Britain, China, France, Germany, Iran, Russia and India have naval forces off the Somali coast or on their way there.

The US military announcement did not mention the nations taking part in the counter-piracy force, but Campbell said it would likely include nations with ships already in the region.

Among the most valuable ships the Somali pirates still hold for ransom are a Saudi supertanker and an Ukrainian vessel with Russian-made tanks and other heavy weapons on board.