Tackling piracy : EU’s role crucial for maritime security in the Horn of Africa
13 March 2017… A group of Somali pirates hijacked an oil tanker off the coast of Somalia with eight sailors on board. Less than four days later the crew was safely back on land, thanks to the EU’s military operation EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta and the key support of the EU’s Satellite Centre. EU satellite intelligence was instrumental in helping EU military mission in its fight against piracy, guaranteeing maritime security and human safety.
Maritime security is a priority for the EU as the world’s largest trading bloc and as a global security provider. Piracy in the waters off the Horn of Africa reached a peak in 2011, affecting not only local fishing communities but also international commercial and humanitarian vessels. The EU’s engagement as a security provider in the region has drastically reduced pirates’ attacks to just two unsuccessful attempts in 2018.
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Source: africanews.com
