The Australians join the CTF 151: a frigate, an aircraft

(B2) The Australian Foreign Secretary hinted as much ago some days. It is now an official decision. Australian Minister of Defense Joel Fitzgibbon announced today. The Australians will officially join the fight against pirates, as part of the American coalition CTF 151. A warship, the HMAS Warramunga and a maritime patrol aircraft type Orion P3-C, who were previously part of Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) will be assigned to this task. Or a little 400 men mobilized (250 for the frigate, 170 for the plane).

Their rules of engagement will be "robust to deal with any threat", they say in Canberra. Fast Boats (RHIB) will be able to storm pirate ships, confiscate weapons and detain pirates. But having no transfer agreement, they will hand them over to the Americans or the Kenyan authorities. They will not normally conduct a hostage rescue operation. But special troops can be part of the crew.

To read the Ministry of Defense press release. (Photo: Australian Navy.)