U.S. Government Says No Deal Reached in Somali Piracy Policy
The U.S. State Department has denied that any agreement with Somalia has been reached to patrol their waters for the purpose of fighting piracy. Somalia’s Prime Minister had previously announced securing such an agreement for U.S. Naval forces to patrol Somali waters.
Hijackings and piracy are common events in the waters surrounding Somalia, where near anarchy has reigned since 1991. International monitors have reported at least 41 attacks in the past year alone.
The U.S. State Department did report having diplomatic discussions with representatives of Somalia’s transitional administration, with the talks centering on a number of areas of possible cooperation, including piracy issues. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack also said U.S. forces were active in the Horn of Africa region, conducting counter-terrorism operations.