One of the most dangerous water areas in the world is the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia. It is here that almost half of the pirates of the whole world are based, dozens of attacks on merchant ships occur every year.
An intensified fight against pirates began in 2008. It was from this time that the European Union launched the Atalanta naval operation. Initially, the mission was planned to operate until the end of 2013, but in February 2012 it was decided to extend the anti-piracy operation for another year.
The mission involves warships, mainly frigates, from sixteen European countries, as well as ships of the Russian navy. They patrol and escort merchant ships delivering UN humanitarian aid to Somalia. At the same time, up to 7 ships are involved in patrolling, constantly alternating. In addition, from the second half of 2012, the Ukrainian AN-26 aircraft will take part in the actions.
Since 2009, NATO has announced the launch of the Ocean Shield naval operation. As part of this campaign, NATO ships have joined the EU coalition and are helping control the dangerous region. In addition, the goal of the Ocean Shield is to help countries in the region develop and adopt their own anti-piracy measures. The NATO mission was also extended until the end of 2014.
When pirates are spotted, warships rush to the attack site and drive them away with warning shots. More often than not, this is enough and the pirates leave in haste. If they do manage to board the ship, the military does not intervene, fearing for the fate of the crew.
Today, the possibility of destroying pirate bases located on the coast of Somalia is being actively discussed. The need to expand the mandate for the forces participating in Operation Atalanta and the compliance of such changes with the requirements of the UN Security Council is being carefully studied. The conditions for opening fire will be extremely harsh, we are talking only about pinpoint strikes from aircraft or ships, without landing a military contingent on land. The danger of civilian casualties must be completely ruled out.
