Brussels, (insidesomalia.org) - The European Union agreed on Monday to deploy an air and naval force off the coast of Somalia to guard sea lanes against piracy.
Pirates have been causing havoc in one of the world's busiest shipping areas, which connects Europe to Asia and the Middle East. They have taken millions of dollars in ransoms, raised insurance costs and threatened humanitarian supplies.
Current EU president France said the mission was approved as expected at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
Ten EU nations have said they will contribute to the EU operation, due to be launched next month and expected to involve four to six ships at any given time, as well as several maritime surveillance aircraft. It will have an initial one-year mandate.
The EU has already named British Royal Navy Vice-Admiral Philip Jones to head the operation, which will have its headquarters at Northwood in England.
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