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Russia Steps Up African Piracy Fight
Russia has decided to increase its military presence around the Horn of Africa, an area plagued by aggressive piracy on the seas, Interfax AVN reports. According to an Interfax source in the Russian Navy, there are now more than 20 military ships from different countries in the area of the Bay of Aden, but they are not being used effectively because of a lack of coordination. Gen. Nikolay Makarov, Chief of the General Staff, confirmed that battleships from the Black Sea and Baltic Fleets may be sent to African waters. He told journalists in Kaliningrad on Friday that detailed plans for combating piracy are now being drawn up.
Capt. Igor Dygalo said that an entire squadron might be sent to the Horn of Africa. He added that the Neustrashimy, which is in the region now, will be replaced by another vessel when its tour of duty is completed. Dygalo stated that he was unaware of any plans for Russian naval vessels to accompany the commercial ships of other countries on a commercial basis. The Interfax source described press reports to that effect as “absurd.” Dygalo pointed out, in response to observations on the ineffectiveness of antipiracy measures, that the area around the Horn of Africa encompasses thousands of square kilometers that are used intensively for shipping, and that the presence of the Neustrashimy does make shipping there safer.
Somali authorities consider the presence of the Russian Navy beneficial. Somali Ambassador to Russia Mohamed Handule told Vesti 24 television that “The presence of the Russian naval fleet as a strategic partner is beneficial for us… Russia’s ambitions to restore its strategic position in the world are understood.” The UN estimates that Somali pirates have received $25-30 million in ransom this year, seizing no less than 65 ships.
www.kommersant.com
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