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File Photo (EUNAVFOR) |
Naval forces of the European Union have conducted raids on Somali territory for the first time.
Several boats were destroyed when EU helicopters and two warships attacked pirate bases near the town of Haradhere.
A statement released by the European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) said no injuries were sustained by either side during the raid.
“The focused, precise and proportionate action was conducted from the air and all forces returned safely to EU warships on completion. Whilst assessment is on-going, surveillance of the area during the action indicates that no Somalis were injured ashore as a result of EU action.”
The Operation Commander of the EU Naval Force, Rear Admiral Duncan Potts said
“We believe this action by the EU Naval Force will further increase the pressure on, and disrupt pirates’ efforts to get out to sea to attack merchant shipping and dhows.
"The local Somali people and fishermen – many of whom have suffered so much because of piracy in the region, can be reassured that our focus was on known pirate supplies and will remain so in the future.”
Bile Hussein, a pirate commander, told the Reuters news agency that speed boats, fuel depots and an arms store were targeted in the attacks.
"They destroyed our equipment to ashes. It was a key supplies centre for us. The fuel contributed to the flames and destruction. Nothing was spared."
Somali pirates have hijacked vessels across the IndianOcean and have demanded huge sums in ransom payments.
Around 17 ships and 300 crew members are thought to be currently held by the pirates.
