NATO makes gains in fight against piracy

July 22, 2012

  • + Comment now
  • Print
  • Reset Decrease Increase

The threat of piracy in Somali waters is declining, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) anti-piracy commander Commodore Ben Bekkering said on Saturday (July 21st).

"We are gaining more success in reducing the Somali piracy threats with our constant patrolling, but the international community must continue to exchange ideas and increase efforts to completely eradicate the problem," Bekkering said, according to the Times of Oman.

The International Maritime Bureau recorded 69 incidents of piracy involving Somalis between January and July this year, marking a 32% drop compared with the same period in 2011, as international naval forces increased their efforts.

Bekkering said Somali piracy continues to inflict billions of dollars in losses on international trade annually. "It is important we all work together to stop it," he said.

What do you think of this article? (TOTAL VOTES: 0)

Dislike_icon(0)

(Comment Policy) *Denotes Required Field

Latest News

In the Spotlight

Al-Shabaab leader dodges criticism in latest audio message to followers

Police arrest suspected al-Shabaab members during a security sweep in Mogadishu in October 2012. [Abdurashid Abdulle Abikar/AFP]

Ahmed Abdi Godane repeated his usual themes yet failed to address the criticism he is facing from a growing number of other top al-Shabaab leaders.

Subscribe

Poll

Do you think Tanzania's ban on religious hate speech will stop attacks against churches and mosques?

View results

Resources