At a breakfast meeting earlier today with senior shipping industry representatives, the EU Naval Force Operation Commander, Major General Martin Smith MBE, stated that whilst Somali-based piracy in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden is suppressed, there is no room for complacency regarding the on-going threat.
Major General Smith welcomed the significant reduction in pirate attacks since 2012, stating that this had been achieved by the 'collective effort' of shipping companies and dedicated naval forces, including the European Union Naval Force. The General warned, however, that whilst the opportunity for pirates to get out to sea and attack ships had reduced, the pirates' intent and capability remains.
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