Turkish commandos intercept, capture pirate ship in Gulf of Aden
ANKARA — Turkey's navy captured seven suspected pirates in the
Gulf of Aden on March 7.
Officials said a Turkish commando unit operating from the
naval frigate TCS Gemlik intercepted the suspected pirate vessel.
In the wake of incrased pirate activity, Turkey has decided to deploy another naval vessel in a
Western-led anti-piracy mission in the Gulf, Middle East Newsline reported.
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The military said the Turkish
Navy's TCG Gelibolu would replace another frigate, TCG Gediz in operations
in the Arabian Sea and Red Sea.
"This will ensure Turkish participation in the task force for at least
another year," an official said.
The Turkish Navy has deployed five frigates in the Gulf region since
February 2009. The Turkish parliament has approved the naval deployment in
the region as part of Combined Task Force 151, an international effort to
battle pirates from Somalia.
This marked the second interception by Gemlik in about two weeks. On
Feb. 20, Gemlik intercepted and boarded a suspected pirate ship and ordered
it to return to Somalia.
"The quick response to investigate and disrupt the suspected pirate
attack is also testament to the professionalism and good understanding
established between the multi-national warships working 24/7 to ensure
freedom of navigation in this part of the world," CTF-151 commander
Singaporean Rear Adm. Bernard Miranda said.
