While many countries, including the US, UK, Russia and the EU, have deployed protection forces in the region, China, which uses the region as a major trade route for exports, is yet to send in a warship to protect its interests.

The Indian Navy will be sending in more warships to the Gulf of Aden—INS Mysore and a Dornier recon aircraft will soon join INS Tabar—but it has made it clear that a more collaborative effort is needed. India has already raised the point for the need of a joint force under the UN banner to secure the region, given that its size is more than 1 lakh square miles.

Nov 15

Gulf of Aden

Armed pirates attacked and hijacked a chemical tanker and attacked another tanker 450 km south-east of Mogadishu.

Nov 14

Pirates armed with automatic weapons in three small speedboats approached a chemical tanker but couldn’t get on board.

Nov 13

Six pirates in a speedboat approached a bulk carrier. Ship took evasive manoeuvres and crew activated fire hoses. Pirates fired upon the ship with two rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons. A coalition warship responded to the distress call and chased away the pirates.

Nov 11

Two speedboats with about four armed pirates each chased Indian ship Jag Arnav. Vessel made manoeuvres and contacted Indian warship INS Tabar. A naval helicopter arrived and the pirates abandoned the attack. The Indian helicopter also rescued a Saudi vessel.

Nov 13

Somalia coast

... contd.