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In response to the increased activity of the [[INS Tabar|INS ''Tabar'']], India sought to augment its naval force in the Gulf of Aden by deploying the larger [[INS Mysore (D60)|INS ''Mysore'']] to patrol the area. Somalia also added India to its list of states, including the U.S. and France, who are permitted to enter its territorial waters, extending up to {{convert|12|nmi|km}} from the coastline, in an effort to check piracy.<Ref>http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-gets-the-right-of-hot-pursuit-in-somali-waters/78607-3.html?from=rssfeed</ref> An Indian naval official confirmed receipt of a letter acceding to India's prerogative to check such piracy. "We had put up a request before the Somali government to play a greater role in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Aden in view of the United Nations resolution. The TFG government gave its nod recently."<ref>http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Somalia_seeks_Indias_help_to_quell_piracy/articleshow/3741936.cms</ref> India also expressed consideration to deploy up to four more [[warships]] in the region.<ref>http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnDEL414570.html</ref>
In response to the increased activity of the [[INS Tabar|INS ''Tabar'']], India sought to augment its naval force in the Gulf of Aden by deploying the larger [[INS Mysore (D60)|INS ''Mysore'']] to patrol the area. Somalia also added India to its list of states, including the U.S. and France, who are permitted to enter its territorial waters, extending up to {{convert|12|nmi|km}} from the coastline, in an effort to check piracy.<Ref>http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-gets-the-right-of-hot-pursuit-in-somali-waters/78607-3.html?from=rssfeed</ref> An Indian naval official confirmed receipt of a letter acceding to India's prerogative to check such piracy. "We had put up a request before the Somali government to play a greater role in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Aden in view of the United Nations resolution. The TFG government gave its nod recently."<ref>http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Somalia_seeks_Indias_help_to_quell_piracy/articleshow/3741936.cms</ref> India also expressed consideration to deploy up to four more [[warships]] in the region.<ref>http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnDEL414570.html</ref>


Similarly, Russia also chose to send more warships to combat piracy near Somalia. This announcement followed the [[International Maritime Bureau]] terming the menace as having gone "out of control."<Ref>http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gi-T2-rcbyVfRKs64Dw3GHWeVyiw</ref> Germany said it was willing to add 1,400 troops to join an E.U. mission in the area that would being in December. [[Africom]] commander, General [[William Ward]], added that the United States was concerned about the rise in piracy, and was involved in multilateral efforts to provide security, "The United States is participating in those activities currently, but again, that is not specifically being controlled by the United States Africa Command."<ref>http://voanews.com/english/2008-11-25-voa60.cfm</ref>
Similarly, Russia also chose to send more warships to combat piracy near Somalia. This announcement followed the [[International Maritime Bureau]] terming the menace as having gone "out of control."<Ref>http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gi-T2-rcbyVfRKs64Dw3GHWeVyiw</ref> Germany said it was willing to add 1,400 troops to join an E.U. mission in the area that would begin in December. [[Africom]] commander, General [[William Ward]], added that the United States was concerned about the rise in piracy, and was involved in multilateral efforts to provide security, "The United States is participating in those activities currently, but again, that is not specifically being controlled by the United States Africa Command."<ref>http://voanews.com/english/2008-11-25-voa60.cfm</ref>


A maritime conference was also held in [[Mombasa]] to discuss the rising concern of regional piracy with a view to give regional and world governments recommendations to deal with the menace. The [[International Transport Workers Federation]] (ITWF) organised the regional an African maritime unions’ conference, a first of its kind in Africa. Godfrey Matata Onyango, executive secretary of the [[Northern Corridor Transport Coordination Authority]] said that "We cannot ignore to discuss the piracy menace since it poses a huge challenge to the maritime industry and if not controlled, it threats to chop off the regional internal trade. The cost of shipping will definitely rise as a result of the increased war insurance premium due to the high risk off the Gulf of Aden."<ref>http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11438&Itemid=5860</ref> [[Pakistan]] offered the services of [[Pakistan Navy]] to the [[United Nations]] in order to help combat the piracy in Somalia. Pakistan had a number of conditions that had to be met before it would get involved though.<ref>http://www.dawn.com/2008/11/26/top16.htm</ref>
A maritime conference was also held in [[Mombasa]] to discuss the rising concern of regional piracy with a view to give regional and world governments recommendations to deal with the menace. The [[International Transport Workers Federation]] (ITWF) organised the regional an African maritime unions’ conference, a first of its kind in Africa. Godfrey Matata Onyango, executive secretary of the [[Northern Corridor Transport Coordination Authority]] said that "We cannot ignore to discuss the piracy menace since it poses a huge challenge to the maritime industry and if not controlled, it threats to chop off the regional internal trade. The cost of shipping will definitely rise as a result of the increased war insurance premium due to the high risk off the Gulf of Aden."<ref>http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11438&Itemid=5860</ref> [[Pakistan]] offered the services of [[Pakistan Navy]] to the [[United Nations]] in order to help combat the piracy in Somalia. Pakistan had a number of conditions that had to be met before it would get involved though.<ref>http://www.dawn.com/2008/11/26/top16.htm</ref>

Revision as of 07:49, 17 December 2008

A montage of Somali pirates, armed with AK47 assault rifles, RPG-7 rocket launchers and semi-automatic pistols
Pirates holding the crew of the Chinese fishing vessel Tianyu No. 8, guarding the crew on the bow

Piracy off the Somali coast has been a threat to international shipping since the beginning of Somalia's civil war in the early 1990s.[1] Since 2005, many international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization and the World Food Programme, have expressed concern over the rise in acts of piracy.[2] Piracy has contributed to a rise in shipping costs and impeded the delivery of food aid shipments. Ninety percent of the World Food Programme's shipments arrive by sea, and ships have required a military escort.[3] According to the Kenyan foreign minister, Somali pirates have received over $150 million (US dollars) in ransom money during the 12 months prior to November 2008.[4]

Clashes have been reported between Somalia's Islamist fighters, who are opposed to the Transitional Federal Government, and the pirates.[5] In August 2008, Combined Task Force 150, a multinational coalition task force, took on the role of fighting Somali piracy by establishing a Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) within the Gulf of Aden.[6] The increasing threat posed by piracy also caused significant concerns in India since most of its shipping trade routes pass through the Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy responded to these concerns by deploying a warship in the region on October 23, 2008.[7][8] In September 2008, Russia announced that it too will soon join international efforts to combat piracy.[9]

On October 7, 2008, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 1838[10] calling on nations with vessels in the area to apply military force to repress the acts of piracy.[11] At the 101st council of the International Maritime Organization, India called for a United Nations peacekeeping force under unified command to tackle piracy off Somalia.[12] (There has been a general and complete arms embargo against Somalia since 1992.)

In November 2008, Somali pirates began hijacking ships well outside the Gulf of Aden, perhaps targeting ships headed for the port of Mombasa, Kenya.[13]

History

Armed suspected pirates in the Indian Ocean near Somalia. After the picture was taken, the vessel’s crew members opened fire on the U.S. Navy ships and the ship's crew members returned fire. One suspected pirate was killed and 12 were taken into custody.
See also: Somali Civil War

With the chaotic state of Somalia and the lack of a central government, combined with Somalia's location at the Horn of Africa, conditions were ripe for the growth of piracy in the early 1990s. Since the collapse of the state, boats illegally fishing in Somali waters were a common sight. Pirates at first were interested in securing the waters before businessmen and militias became involved. Acts of piracy temporarily subsided following the rise of the Islamic Courts Union in 2006. However, pirate activity began to increase after Ethiopia invaded Somalia in December 2006.

During the Siad Barre regime, Somalia got aid from Denmark, Great Britain, Iraq, Japan, Sweden, USSR and West Germany to develope their fishing industry, the fishing industry was either cooperatives which had fixed prices on the catch which often was exported due to the little demand of seafood in Somalia or as fishinglicenses. Aid money improved the ships and also maintenance facilities where built [1]. After the Barre regime the income from fishing decreased, due to the civil war. Some pirates are former fishermen, who argue that foreign ships are threatening their livelihood by fishing in Somali waters. After seeing the profitability of piracy, since ransoms are usually paid, warlords began to facilitate pirate activities, splitting the profits with the pirates.[14] However, in most of the hijackings, the bandits have not harmed their prisoners, hoping instead to be rewarded with ransoms.[15] The attackers generally treat their hostages well in anticipation of a big payday to the point of hiring caterers on the shores of Somalia to cook spaghetti, grilled fish and roasted meat that will appeal to a Western palate. They also keep a steady supply of cigarettes and drinks from the shops on shore.[16]

The Transitional Federal Government has made some efforts to combat piracy, occasionally allowing foreign naval vessels into Somali territorial waters.[citation needed] However, more often than not, foreign naval vessels chasing pirates were forced to break off when the pirates entered Somali territorial waters.[17][18] The government of Puntland has made more progress in combating piracy, evident in recent interventions.[19]

In June 2008, following the letter of the Transitional Federal Government to the President of the Council asking for assistance from the international community in its efforts to address acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships off the coast of Somalia the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed a declaration authorizing nations that have the agreement of the Transitional Federal Government to enter Somali territorial waters to deal with pirates.[20] The measure, which was sponsored by France, the United States and Panama, will last six months. France initially wanted the resolution to include other regions with pirate problems, such as West Africa, but were opposed by Vietnam, Libya and most importantly by veto-holding China, who wanted the sovereignty infringement limited to Somalia.[21]

On November 21, 2008 BBC News reported that the Indian Navy had received United Nations approval to enter Somali waters to combat piracy.[22]

Pirates

Profile

Puntland area in Somalia

Most pirates are aged 20-35 years old and come from the region of Puntland, a region in northeastern Somalia. The East African Seafarers' Association estimates that there are at least five pirate gangs and a total of 1,000 armed men.[23] According to a BBC report, the pirates can be divided into three main categories:

  • Local fishermen, considered the brains of the pirates' operations due to their skill and knowledge of the sea.
  • Ex-militiamen who used to fight for the local clan warlords, used as the muscle.
  • Technical experts who operate high-tech equipment such as the GPS systems.[24]

Background to piracy

Precise data on the economic situation in Somalia is scarce but with an estimated per capita GDP of $600/year, it remains one of the world's poorest countries.[25] Millions of Somalis depend on food aid and in 2008, according to the World Bank, as much as 73% of the population lived on a daily income below $2.[26][27] These factors and the lucrative success of many hijacking operations have drawn a number of young men toward gangs of pirates whose wealth and strength often make them part of the local social and economic elite. A resident of Garoowe quoted by the BBC said "They have money; they have power and they are getting stronger by the day. [...] They wed the most beautiful girls; they are building big houses; they have new cars; new guns.""[24]

Effects and perceptions

There have been both positive and negative effects of the pirates' economic success. Local residents have complained that the presence of so many armed men makes them feel insecure, and that their freespending ways cause wild fluctuations in the local exchange rate. Others fault them for excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and khat.[24]

On the other hand, many other residents appreciate the rejuvenating effect that the pirates' on-shore spending and re-stocking has had on their impoverished towns, a presence which has oftentimes provided jobs and opportunity when there were none. Entire hamlets have in the process been transformed into veritable boomtowns, with local shop owners and other residents using their gains to purchase items such as generators -- allowing full days of electricity, once an unimaginable luxury.[16]

Weaponry and funding

The pirates get most of their weapons from Yemen, but a significant amount comes from Mogadishu, Somalia's capital. Weapons dealers in the capital receive a deposit from a hawala dealer on behalf of the pirates and the weapons are then driven to Puntland where the pirates pay the balance.[24] Various photographs of pirates in situ indicate that their weapons are predominantly AK47 assault rifles, RPG-7 rocket launchers and semi-automatic pistols. Additionally, given the particular origin of their weaponry, they are likely to have hand grenades such as the RGD-5.

Pirates say ransom money, when paid, arrives in burlap sacks that are sometimes dropped from helicopters or cased in waterproof suitcases loaded onto tiny skiffs in the rumbling, shark-infested waters. To authenticate the money, the pirates use currency-counting machines, the same technology used at foreign exchange bureaus worldwide. According to one pirate, these machines are, in turn, purchased from business connections in Dubai, Djibouti, and other areas.[16]

Somali pirates allegedly get help from Somali diaspora. The expatriates, including reputedly some among the 200,000 Somalis living in Canada, offer funds, equipment and information.[28]

Chronology of selected attacks

Main article: List of ships attacked by Somali pirates

Somali pirates have attacked dozens of vessels with a fraction of those attacks resulting in a successful hijacking. Between the beginning of 2008 and November 19, 2008 there have been 95 attacks which includes 39 successful hijackings. Most of these attacks occur in the Gulf of Aden but the Somali pirates have been increasing their range and have started attacking ships as far south as off the coast of Kenya in the Indian Ocean.[29][30]

Anti-piracy measures

Ships of the multinational fleet Combined Task Force 150

Military presence

In response to the increased activity of the INS Tabar, India sought to augment its naval force in the Gulf of Aden by deploying the larger INS Mysore to patrol the area. Somalia also added India to its list of states, including the U.S. and France, who are permitted to enter its territorial waters, extending up to 12 nautical miles (22 km) from the coastline, in an effort to check piracy.[31] An Indian naval official confirmed receipt of a letter acceding to India's prerogative to check such piracy. "We had put up a request before the Somali government to play a greater role in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Aden in view of the United Nations resolution. The TFG government gave its nod recently."[32] India also expressed consideration to deploy up to four more warships in the region.[33]

Similarly, Russia also chose to send more warships to combat piracy near Somalia. This announcement followed the International Maritime Bureau terming the menace as having gone "out of control."[34] Germany said it was willing to add 1,400 troops to join an E.U. mission in the area that would begin in December. Africom commander, General William Ward, added that the United States was concerned about the rise in piracy, and was involved in multilateral efforts to provide security, "The United States is participating in those activities currently, but again, that is not specifically being controlled by the United States Africa Command."[35]

A maritime conference was also held in Mombasa to discuss the rising concern of regional piracy with a view to give regional and world governments recommendations to deal with the menace. The International Transport Workers Federation (ITWF) organised the regional an African maritime unions’ conference, a first of its kind in Africa. Godfrey Matata Onyango, executive secretary of the Northern Corridor Transport Coordination Authority said that "We cannot ignore to discuss the piracy menace since it poses a huge challenge to the maritime industry and if not controlled, it threats to chop off the regional internal trade. The cost of shipping will definitely rise as a result of the increased war insurance premium due to the high risk off the Gulf of Aden."[36] Pakistan offered the services of Pakistan Navy to the United Nations in order to help combat the piracy in Somalia. Pakistan had a number of conditions that had to be met before it would get involved though.[37]

As of November 22, 2008, naval ships from eleven NATO and four other countries have been deployed in the region in order to serve as escorts and to deter acts of piracy:

Arab League summit

Following the seizure by Somali pirates of an Egyptian ship and a huge Saudi oil supertanker worth $100 million of oil, the Arab League, after a meeting in Cairo, has called for an urgent summit for countries overlooking the Red Sea, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Somalia, Jordan, Djibouti and Yemen. The summit would offer several solutions for the piracy problem, in addition to suggesting different routes and looking for a more secure passageway for ships.

Another possible means of intervention by the Red Sea Arab nations' navy might be to assist the current NATO anti-piracy effort as well as other navies.[46]

United Nations

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on November 20, 2008 that was proposed by Britain to introduce tougher sanctions against Somalia over the country's failure to prevent a surge in sea piracy.[47] The US circulated the draft resolution that called upon countries having naval capacities to deploy vessels and aircrafts to actively fight against piracy in the region. The resolution also welcomed the initiatives of the European Union, NATO and other countries to counter piracy off the coast of Somalia. US Alternate Representative for Security Council Affairs Rosemary said that the draft resolution "calls on the secretary-general to look at a long-term solution to escorting the safe passage of World Food Programme ships."[48] Even Somalia's Islamist militants stormed the Somali port of Haradheere in the hunt for pirates behind the seizure of a Saudi supertanker, the MV Sirius Star. A tribal elder affiliated with the Islamists said "The Islamists arrived searching for the pirates and the whereabouts of the Saudi ship. I saw four cars full of Islamists driving in the town from corner to corner. The Islamists say they will attack the pirates for hijacking a Muslim ship."[49]

See also

References

  1. ^ Khan, Sana Aftab. "Tackling Piracy in Somali Waters: Rising attacks impede delivery of humanitarian assistance". UN Chronicle. United Nations Department of Public Information, Outreach Division.
  2. ^ "Piracy in waters off the coast of Somalia". International Maritime Organization.
  3. ^ Wadhams, Nick (10 October 2008). "Pirates in Standoff Threaten Food Aid, Global Shipping". National Geographic. National Geographic News. Retrieved 11 October. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7742761.stm
  5. ^ "Six killed in clashes between Somali pirates and Islamists". Agence France-Presse via Google News. 2008-05-24. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  6. ^ Commander, Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs (2008-09-29). "Combined Task Force 150 Thwarts Criminal Activities". US Africa Command. Retrieved 2008-11-17.
  7. ^ Indian navy showcases rising might
  8. ^ Chemical tanker hijacked off lawless Somalia
  9. ^ "Russia to fight piracy off Somalia coast". RIA Novosti. 2008-09-23. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  10. ^ United Nations Security Council Resolution 1838. S/RES/1838(2008) 2008-10-07. Retrieved 2008-11-19.
  11. ^ "New Somalia piracy resolution adopted at UN". Google News. Agence France-Presse. 8 October 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ India calls for UN force to deter pirates off Somalia
  13. ^ Associated Press (2008-11-14). "Chinese fishing boat reported hijacked off Kenya". The International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2008-11-17.
  14. ^ Westcott, Kathryn (2008-04-23). "Somalia's pirates face battles at sea". BBC News. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  15. ^ Somali Pirates Seize Two Ships, Sky News, August 15, 2008
  16. ^ a b c Somali pirates transform villages into boomtowns
  17. ^ Starr, Barbara. "U.S. destroyer pursuing hijacked ship in Somali waters, military says". CNN.
  18. ^ Rankin, Nick. "No vessel is safe from modern pirates". BBC News.
  19. ^ Hassan, Abdiqani (2008-04-23). "Crew say lucky to be alive after Somali hijack". Reuters Africa. Retrieved 2008-04-25.
  20. ^ United Nations Security Council Verbatim Report 5902. S/PV/5902 2 June 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-03.
  21. ^ " Navies to tackle Somali pirates", BBC News, 2 June 2008
  22. ^ Pandey, Geeta (2008-11-21). "India navy 'to go after pirates'". BBC. Retrieved 2008-11-21. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  23. ^ Rice, Xan (2008-11-18). "Pirates anchor hijacked supertanker off Somalia coast". The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-11-19. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ a b c d Hunter, Robyn (October 28, 2008). "Somali pirates living the high life". BBC. Retrieved 2008-11-20.
  25. ^ CIA World Factbook: Somalia
  26. ^ "Somalia - Overview". World Food Programme. Retrieved 2008-11-21.
  27. ^ "Somalia - Country Brief". World Bank. 2008-09-01. Retrieved 2008-11-21.
  28. ^ Somali pirates get help from expats in Canada, TheStar.com, December 11, 2008
  29. ^ "Seized tanker anchors off Somalia", BBC News, 18 November 2008
  30. ^ "India: Pirate 'mother ship' left in flames". CNN. 2008-11-19. Retrieved 2008-11-19.
  31. ^ http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-gets-the-right-of-hot-pursuit-in-somali-waters/78607-3.html?from=rssfeed
  32. ^ http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Somalia_seeks_Indias_help_to_quell_piracy/articleshow/3741936.cms
  33. ^ http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnDEL414570.html
  34. ^ http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gi-T2-rcbyVfRKs64Dw3GHWeVyiw
  35. ^ http://voanews.com/english/2008-11-25-voa60.cfm
  36. ^ http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11438&Itemid=5860
  37. ^ http://www.dawn.com/2008/11/26/top16.htm
  38. ^ a b NATO Naval Task Group en route to escort duties off Somali coast retrieved 2008-11-12
  39. ^ 2008-11-11Indian Navy repulses pirate attack in Gulf of Aden retrieved 2008-11-12
  40. ^ Four pirate attacks in Gulf of Aden retrieved 2008-11-12
  41. ^ Malaysia withdraws navy vessels from Gulf of Aden retrieved 2008-11-12
  42. ^ Royal Netherlands Navy website: Deployment off Somalia retrieved 2008-11-18
  43. ^ Bloomburg, 2008-11-21
  44. ^ "NATO escorts shipload of supplies to Somalia". Google News. Associated Press. 2008-10-27. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  45. ^ "On patrol with the pirate hunters". BBC News Online. Retrieved 2008-11-22.
  46. ^ Arab league anti-piracy meeting
  47. ^ http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/International_Business/Somali_pirates_release_Greek_tanker_after_ransom_is_paid/articleshow/3742120.cms
  48. ^ http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200811211080.htm
  49. ^ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/21/africa/somalia.php
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