Attacks against freight shipping such as container vessels and tankers are substantially down off the coast of Somalia according to NATO's maritime command. However, the forces that contribute in the war against pirates plaguing the waters of the Indian Ocean have warned against complacency by the owners and operators of shipping companies. The statistics from the European Union show that in 2012 there have been only 34 attacks with just 5 being successful. This is remarkably lower than in 2009 when there were 163 attempts and 2010 with 174 attempts, with a quarter being successful. However, the threat is very real and currently there are five vessels currently held by pirates in Somalia with a 136 hostages detained. The war on piracy has meant that NATO forces will disable pirate's vessels at sea as well as seizing and destroying their weapons. More recently forces will now strike the pirates on land, disrupting organized gangs and vessels before they can threaten shipping.
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Piracy is still a bit issue, there are still so many attempts on shipping even with NATO forces patrolling.
Piracy is a big issue still and it will only get better when the situation in Somalia gets better.
The NATO mission is very successful, but there are still instances where ships are approached and five acts of piracy this year. Until there is a stable government in Somalia the piracy will continue.
Why do shipping companies still think that piracy is not an issue? Everytime a ship enters that area they are at risk.
the piracy menace has increased the cost of international maritime transportation. the most feasible solution is peace in Somalia which will expose the pirates and eventually the vice will reduce. finding a solution requiresnot just KDF or AMISOM or
NATO militaries..but an inclusive approach by countries across the globe who use products shipped along the horn of Africa..especially oil from the Midle east