EU Naval Force - Somalia
Operation ATALANTA

Operation Atalanta ships HNLMS Tromp and ESPS Relampago have recently hosted Somali officials from the east coast of the country.

Crew-members on both the Dutch Flagship and Spanish warship were pleased to welcome the representatives from coastal communities onboard and to discuss the effects piracy has had on seafarers in the waters off the coast. Op Atalanta personnel reiterated EU NAVFOR’s continued support for Somali fishermen and their activities.

Operation Atalanta works to disrupt and deter piracy in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, routinely patrolling close to the Somali coast to maintain a visible presence. In order to succeed in this, it is important that opportunities to engage with regional Somali officials, as well as international partners and naval task forces, are undertaken to maintain an understanding of local issues and ensure assets are being used effectively.