NATO deployed on its Counter Piracy operations
At its meeting in New Yorklast week the United Nations Security Council voted to extend its mandate for those fighting piracy off the Horn of Africa by a further 12 months. NATO deployed on its Counter Piracy operations in response to the UN’s concern over the damage and disruption to world trade caused by the rapid growth in piracy off the Somali coast. The extension of the mandate through to the end of 2012 reflects the NATO mission sanctioned by the North Atlantic Council which is also due to expire at the end of 2012.
In unanimously adopting resolution 2020, the Security Council stressed the need for the international community to not only tackle piracy but also to deal with the underlying causes i.e. the instability ashore in Somalia. The Security Council commended the efforts of NATO and the other international forces and nations as they “suppress piracy and protect vulnerable ships transiting through the waters off the coast of Somalia.”
NATO began its continuous counter piracy mission with Operation Allied Protector in March 2009. Its aim was to deter and disrupt piracy in the Gulf of Aden. This was then superseded by Operation Ocean Shield which allowed greater geographical freedom to move into the Indian Ocean after the pirates turned their focus there and also allowed for regional capacity building if regional states requested it. In 2009, 45 ships were hijacked in the region; so far in 2011, 21 ships have been hijacked effectively halving the number of ships taken. Naval warships have been in the region constantly providing a visible presence and deterrence and this has undoubtedly contributed to the pirates’ lack of success.
In addition NATO, along with its partners, has been working with the maritime community to ensure that both merchant ships and crews are aware of Best Management Practices 4 (BMP 4) which give advice on how to protect vessels against pirate attack. Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1)
Background Information:
NATO Forces currently in Operation Ocean Shield:
ITS Andrea Doria (Flagship) – Italy
USS Carney – United States of America
USS De Wert – United States of America
RFA Fort Victoria – United Kingdom
HDMS Absalon – Denmark
P3 aircraft – Norway
Source: NATO
