Germany Approves EU Anti-Piracy Mission Expansion

The German government has finally approved the expansion of the European Union (EU) anti-piracy operation off the Horn of Africa. This extension will include targeting equipment and bases located on Somali beaches and shores. The cabinet granted approval to the expanded mission, which is expected to win final approval in a governmental vote next month.

EU foreign ministers agreed in March to extend the mission until December 2014 and expand the force's area of operations to include Somali coastal territory and internal waters. Warships would be allowed to fire at fuel barrels, boats, trucks or other equipment stowed away on beaches.

The German order, which runs until May 31, 2013, limits such attacks to an area 1.2 miles in from the coastline and reiterates that German troops will only be permitted to go on land in cases of emergency. German defense officials stated that this will not intensify the mission, just be additional aid to the military operation.

Germany currently has 340 military personnel participating in Operation Atalanta. Germany and Spain had originally voiced uncertainties about permitting strikes on pirate lairs, but recently let go of their objections. German opposition continues to criticize the operation as risky for the forces and has vowed to vote against it.

However, the mandate is essentially assured a majority in parliament in a vote likely to take place on May 11, according to AFP.