EU forces engaged Somalian pirates in land

**alhoon** · May 15, 2012, 07:49 AM

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18069685

"EU naval forces have conducted their first raid on pirate bases on the Somali mainland, saying they have destroyed several boats.

They [Somalian Pirates] are believed to be holding about 17 ships and 300 crew.
The latest incident involves the Greek-owned oil tanker Smyrni which was hijacked in the Arabian Sea last week.

The attack was carried out overnight and, according to the European forces, no Somalis were hurt during the action.
The multinational forces used helicopters in conjunction with two warships to leave five of the pirates' fast attack craft "inoperable"."

Wow...
It seems EU increased the notch somewhat. A successful attack that didn't kill any Somalians. That sounds good in my book. Europe is in quite critical point right now, and on one hand, opperations cost money, but on the other hand, make trade safer.
With oil refineries in EU closing and embargo on oil trading Iran, Piracy is even more threatening for the stability of the Union.

**Tiberios** · May 15, 2012, 09:19 AM

Good. Destroying their equipment should have some impact on the situation. At least it will delay them somewhat.

**Adar** · May 15, 2012, 09:23 AM

It is nice to see that the spirit of Sarkozy still lingers in the European Union. Unifying the federation against outside threats always work unless they beat you up

.

**Condottiere 40K** · May 15, 2012, 11:33 AM

One assessment thinks they'll start moving their operational bases to more urbanized areas.

**Thorn777** · May 15, 2012, 01:09 PM

Take that USA!!!

**Imperial** · May 15, 2012, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by Thorn777

Take that USA!!!

The US actually rescued hostages instead of blowing up a some poor villagers canoes.

**Dr. Croccer** · May 16, 2012, 01:25 AM

Originally Posted by Imperial

The US actually rescued hostages instead of blowing up a some poor villagers canoes.

And that is why you fail. Without their canoes, how could they ever hope to take to the high seas again? Silly soft Americans.

Also, ITT some EU fanboys' sarcasm detectors are malfunctioning.

**Tiberios** · May 16, 2012, 01:57 AM

Originally Posted by Thorn777

Take that USA!!!

One Dane recently rescued by US special forces can be glad that the US Government cares more for their citizens than the Danish Government does. Had he not been fortunate enough to be held captive alongside an American co-worker, he would still be in that hell hole.
Our Government doesn't negotiate with terrorists or pirates, but won't equip our special forces already in the area, with the necessary equipment to go on rescue missions

**BSZ** · May 18, 2012, 09:05 PM

Originally Posted by Kralle18

One Dane recently rescued by US special forces can be glad that the US Government cares more for their citizens than the Danish Government does. Had he not been fortunate enough to be held captive alongside an American co-worker, he would still be in that hell hole.
Our Government doesn't negotiate with terrorists or pirates, but won't equip our special forces already in the area, with the necessary equipment to go on rescuse missions

On top of that, because of our opt-out agreement with the EU, Danish forces aren't allowed to participate in EU operations (which includes EUFOR in the Balkans, for example). And our Parliament has not authorized our soldiers to move into Somalian waters, much less on Somalian land.

Instead Denmark has "chosen to do it's part", which means that we are sending Absalon and its sistership Esbern Snarre to patrol in the area as part of Taskforce 150. Which is frankly like patrolling Europe with a dozen police cars and helicopters, and expecting to catch every perpetrator. Oh, yeah. And of the 270 they have captured, 230 have had to be released, because they have had no way to even prosecute them.

There is still a Dane in Somalia, who has been in captivity for 18 months, and our government has done nothing but ignoring that matter.

**mrmouth** · May 18, 2012, 10:34 PM

Not being able to prosecute them is actually the prefect argument for the unpopular methods the US has used. I dont know the specifics, but I know it is no longer a case of the 'enemy combatant' thing. We still prosecute these guys but Obama made just enough changes to seemingly appease the bleeding hearts.

**Tiberios** · May 19, 2012, 03:36 AM

Originally Posted by BSZ

On top of that, because of our opt-out agreement with the EU, Danish forces aren't allowed to participate in EU operations (which includes EUFOR in the Balkans, for example). And our Parliament has not authorized our soldiers to move into Somalian waters, much less on Somalian land.

Instead Denmark has "chosen to do it's part", which means that we are sending Absalon and its sistership Esbern Snarre to patrol in the area as part of Taskforce 150. Which is frankly like patrolling Europe with a dozen police cars and helicopters, and expecting to catch every perpetrator. Oh, yeah. And of the 270 they have captured, 230 have had to be released, because they have had no way to even prosecute them.

There is still a Dane in Somalia, who has been in captivity for 18 months, and our government has done nothing but ignoring that matter.

Indeed. I think it's disgusting how little the DK Government actually cares and is willing to do for it's own citizens.

**Sir Winston Churchill** · May 18, 2012, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by Thorn777

Take that USA!!!

Like the US could do anything that wouldn't have them labeled as imperialist warmongers.

**jamson** · May 15, 2012, 01:21 PM

EU forces never heard of it I though the EU was only a Economic union.

**Atatürk** · May 16, 2012, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by jamson

EU forces never heard of it I though the EU was only a Economic union.

I believe there's an EU Naval Force. According to Wikipedia, they are currently engaged in 'Operation Atlanta' against the rebel forces of Somalia.

**hellheaven1987** · May 15, 2012, 01:43 PM

It was known that French force has conducted land operation within Somalia for some years.

**Azog 150** · May 15, 2012, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by hellheaven1987

It was known that French force has conducted land operation within Somalia for some years.

Those are operations that were conducted against terrorist suspects though. This is the first time there has been land action against piracy in the area.

**hellheaven1987** · May 15, 2012, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by Azog 150

Those are operations that were conducted against terrorist suspects though. This is the first time there has been land action against piracy in the area.

Nope, those French operations were conducted on the aim to either rescue hostages hold by pirates or eliminate certain pirate targets; operation against terrorist suspects were conducted by American.