THE “AL-MERAJ 1” ALLEGED PIRATES SURRENDER TO THE SOMALI POLICE FORCES

After having transferred the last known position of the Iranian-flagged fishing boat “AL-MERAJ 1” to the Somali police forces, the European Union Naval Force Operation (EUNAVFOR) ATALANTA has received confirmation by the Commanding Officer of the Somali police forces about the surrender of the alleged pirates.

This event happens after the 22 November, when the EUNAVFOR Joint Operations Centre was alerted by the Commander of the Somali Coast Guard about the abduction of an Iranian-flagged fishing dhow off the coast of Eyl (Puntland, Somalia).

From this moment on, EUNAVFOR closely monitored the situation until Somali police forces took over, inside territorial waters.

This successful end highlights the good cooperation between EUNAVFOR ATALANTA and Somali Regional authorities and the relevance of the EU presence in the region to contribute to freedom of navigation. Many of these Somali forces have participated in training exercises with EUNAVFOR warships, in cooperation with the EU Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia). The acquired knowledge and mutual trust ensured an effective and safe transfer.

EUROPEAN UNION NAVAL FORCE