Dear reader,
I want to open my remarks by highlighting the two incidents of piracy this month, which were actually two armed robbery cases. Both of these incidents resulted in the release of the vessels and crew without serious consequences. The nature of these actions is clear evidence that the criminal networks linked to piracy are still active and capable of carrying out their attempts. Our immediate response showed ATALANTA’s readiness and commitment to deter and eradicate this threat through a joint, sustained effort.
February was crucial for Operation ATALANTA at the strategic level, as we were able to update the existing OPLAN Rev 8 to OPLAN Rev 9. Currently final approval is pending the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) and the Political and Security Committee (PSC).
I also use these lines to warmly congratulate Commodore Alexandre Serrano for his excellent command of the Force Headquarters aboard the frigate ESPS SANTA MARIA. It has been an intense period in which the hijacking cases of one Chinese and two Yemeni-flagged fishing vessels stand out. I also congratulate Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo for his appointment to the new Force Commander and wish him the best of luck in his tasks, which will demand him to give the best of himself and his staff. I am convinced that under his command, the new capabilities added by the current flagship of the operation, ITS RIZZO, and the frigate ESPS REINA SOFÍA will lead to great success.
Finally, the arrival of RADM Vazquez as the new Operation ATALANTA deputy commander strengthens my chain of command and provides fundamental support not only for me but also for the OHQ staff. His extraordinary experience and professionalism will help us achieve the goals that we are all aiming for in the coming months. Welcome to the operation, and we wish you the best of luck during this journey.
Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operation Commander
On 3 and 4 February, EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA Commander Ignacio Villanueva Serrano, attended the EU Ambassadors’ Conference in Brussels (Belgium). This conference is a yearly event that allows for an open exchange between participants and high-level speakers on the European Union’s external activities, global developments, and the EU’s strategic outlook. This year’s topics focus on the “EU foreign policy of the new mandate: ensuring security and prosperity”.
The Conference brought together the EU Ambassadors from over 145 EU Delegations and Offices around the world, in addition to the Heads of EU military and civilian Missions and Operations, EU Special Representatives, Special Envoys and Heads of the European Commission Representations in all 27 EU Member States.
Following the EU Ambassador Conference, the Operation Commander had the chance to engage with the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, H.E. Annette Weber. They discussed the current and future status of ATALANTA, as well as the geopolitical situation in the area of operations.
On 18 February, the Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vazquez Sanz (Spain) took command as Deputy Commander (DCOM) of Operation ATALANTA. Vice Admiral Villanueva warmly welcomed Rear Admiral Vazquez Sanz, highlighting his extraordinary experience and outstanding professional skills and wishing him the best of luck during his tour as new ATALANTA DCOM.
On 19 February, Operation ATALANTA Commander had the opportunity to meet Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO) of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), Rear Admiral Justin A. Kubu (U.S. Navy). This meeting underlined the close and successful partnership between the two forces, and the permanent strive for synergies to improve the effectiveness of their respective tasks. This partnership is also reflected at the tactical level, for example in the participation of ATALANTA units in the annual BULLSHARK exercises.
In February, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA forces conducted multiple “friendly aproach” operations to monitor the maritime security situation off the coast of Somalia and Western Indian Ocean.
These talks to fishermen allow ATALANTA to understand the challenges faced by sailors and fishermen, gather insights, and provide guidance on preventive safety recommendations against piracy, thus, strengthening relationships to foster trust and cooperation.
In this occasion, the Friendly Approach was made to the fishing boat “AL-MERAJ 1” which was pirated off the coast of Somalia in November 2023, and freed at the beginning of December 2023. After five years of no cases of piracy, this dhow was hijacked in November 2023, marking a turning point for the piracy threat. More than one year later, ATALANTA forces met the ship’s crew in a “friendly approach” operation.
On 11 February, ITS LUIGI RIZZO transited the Suez Canal southbound, sailing through the Red Sea towards the Horn of Africa to join Operation ATALANTA.
As a committed EU Member State and Troop-Contributing Nation, Italy plays a pivotal role in Operation ATALANTA, working alongside European and Regional Partners to safeguard maritime security and protect freedom of navigation.
On 13 February, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA confirmed the release of the “AL NAJMA”, the Yemeni fishing boat hijacked off Eyl, located at the Eastern coast of Puntland (Somalia). On 8 February, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA was informed of a suspected pirate attack on a Yemeni-flagged dhow off Eyl. The incident was classified as ARMED ROBBERY AT SEA taking place inside Somali Territorial Waters.
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA naval and air assets were deployed to the area, conducted an intensive search, and succeeded in locating the dhow, which was released when sailing very close to the Somali coast. The immediate presence of ATALANTA forces in the area, especially the helicopter, was decisive in the fishing vessel liberation. ATALANTA’s boarding team ensured security and checked the condition of the crew. No injuries were reported and the twelve crew members were safe.
ATALANTA’s boarding team proceeded to collect all possible evidence of the incident, which is still under investigation. Additionally, ESPS SANTA MARIA assisted the fishing boat after a malfunction of the dhow’s engine. The crew confirmed that the alleged pirates abandoned the vessel after stealing personal objects personal belongings of the crew.
Throughout the incident, communication and coordination with maritime security partners in the Area of Operations was maintained. Pivotal information was shared with Somali forces, Yemeni Coast Guard and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), particularly with the Japanese Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft.
On 15 February, Operation ATALANTA supported a Local Maritime Capacity Building activity off the coast of Bosaso, organised by EUCAP Somalia and CRIMARIO II.
The activity was designed to strengthen the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) in tackling maritime threats with specialised training in maritime interdiction, vessel boarding, search & rescue, and security operations.
By supporting the development of PMPF operational capabilities, this activity underscores the strong collaboration between Operation ATALANTA, EUCAP Somalia, and Somali authorities.
On 20 February, Italian Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo assumed command of the 49th rotation as Force Commander of the European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA. He took command of Task Force 465 from Portuguese Commodore Alexandre Serrano who was in command since 12 December 2024. The ceremony, which took place on the Spanish ship Santa Maria in the Port of Djibouti, was chaired by the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operation Commander Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano.
Vice Admiral Villanueva conveyed his highest appreciation for his commitment to the outgoing Force Commander and the crew of ESPS Santa María. The 48th Rotation was involved in several piracy incidents: tthree Armed Robbery at Sea events, one involving a Chinese-flagged fishing vessel, and two involving Yemeni-flagged fishing vessels , all of them already closed.
On 24 February, Operation ATALANTA confirmed the release of the “SAYTUUN-2”, the Yemeni fishing boat hijacked off Garmaal at the Northern coast of Puntland (Somalia). The sequence of events was as follows:
On 17 February, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA was informed of a suspected pirate attack on a Yemeni-flagged dhow off Garmaal in the vicinity of Eyl. The incident was classified as ARMED ROBBERY AT SEA. EUNAVFOR ATALANTA was monitoring permanently any activity and coordinating closely with security partners in the area.
On 22 February, the fishing vessel was vacated by the alleged pirates after they stole some of the crew’s belongings.
On 23 February early in the morning, ATALANTA conducted a friendly approach to this vessel and gathered information from the crew. They reported that, after the pirate boarding, they proceeded to high seas with the alleged pirates armed and equipped with ladders, and after several days, the alleged pirates abandoned the ship. No injuries were reported.
Again, the productive cooperation between maritime security actors was crucial to face the fight against piracy in the area.
In February, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA social media promoted the Weekly Threat Assessments and Industry Releasable Threat Bulletins (IRTB), both reports published on the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) website.
This Industry Releasable Threat Bulletin (IRTB) was produced by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ATALANTA. It is intended to help shipping operators who are responsible for merchant and large commercial fishing vessels that pass through or operate in the Western Indian Ocean, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The purpose of an IRTB is to bring information of a specific incident or threat to the attention of the shipping industry especially, in advance of the publication of our next quarterly Industry Releasable Threat Assessment (IRTA).
In addition, the Weekly Threat Assessment compiles all the incidents highlighted in the Operational area during the previous week, updating the information already published in the IRTB. In these weekly assessments you will find a detailed threat evaluation from ATALANTA's maritime security experts.
During the month of February, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA integrated ships from Spain, Italy, France and Greece in different support levels.
In February, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA celebrated the following national days:
On 28 February, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA conveyed its greetings to our regional partners and colleagues of the Islamic faith on the beginning of Ramadan, wishing them and their families good health, peace and harmony during this period.
