AFM team returns from anti-piracy duties off Somalia

Saturday, December 3, 2011, 16:21


Video: camera by Paul Spiteri Lucas, & reporting by Fabio Giangolini

An AFM team has returned to Malta after participating in anti-piracy operations off Somalia in association with the Dutch Navy.
The 12 Maltese soldiers returned to Malta on board the HNLMS Zuiderkruis, their home for the past few weeks. Relatives and senior AFM officers were waiting on the quay.
The Maltese detachment had deployed to Mombasa, Kenya, in late October. It worked within Operation Atalanta in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The Maltese soldiers took part in escort duties for World Food Program (WFP) vessels that deliver essential food aid to the people of Somalia.
Protection against pirates was also provided for vulnerable vessels sailing off the coast of Somalia. There were no serious incidents during the Maltese soldiers' tour of duty.
Prior to its departure, the Maltese troops were trained in vessel protection duties, ship boarding drills, enhanced Close Quarter Battle and skill at arms training and other skills.
This was the second Maltese team deployed on a Dutch warship on anti piracy operations.
A small AFM team is also serving in Uganda training Somali policemen as part of an EU mission.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• AFM
• FAM
• ARMED
• FORCES
• MALTA
• FORZI
• ARMATI
• MALTIN
• VESSEL
• PROTECTION
• DETACHMENT
• EU
• NAVFOR
• ATALANTA