An intervention on land against the Somali pirates?
(BRUXELLES2) This is the idea developed by the Dutch Defense Minister, Hans Hillen, before the KVBK, the Royal Society for Science and Military Art, on Wednesday (11 May). Several countries seem, indeed, in favor of a more determined action against the pirates in Somalia, if necessary by making incursions on the bases of the pirates on land. The Minister added that the Netherlands, together with Germany and the United Kingdom, will make a proposal to this effect to their European counterparts in June. “The EU is currently only addressing the symptoms. It will be necessary, if necessary, to review the rules of engagement,” he explains. But this is not a permanent commitment. There is no need to be permanently on the ground, “just temporarily”, he specifies.
It should be noted that the work is already underway. A discussion has already taken place within the military committee on this subject. And the commander of operation Eunavfor Atalanta, Buster Howes must present a proposal for modification of the OpPlan and the rules of engagement, which could be discussed between ministers of Defense, during the next council, and between ministers of Foreign Affairs.
