Somalia – The European Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Operation Atalanta and the Somali Police Coast Guard have carried out a joint maritime exercise aimed at strengthening Somalia’s capacity to combat illegal activities at sea. The exercise, focused on Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, was designed to improve tactical coordination and practical skills essential for maritime security enforcement.
The training simulated real-life scenarios where Somali Police Coast Guard officers boarded and inspected vessels suspected of engaging in piracy, smuggling, or other illicit activities. Operation Atalanta provided technical expertise and operational guidance, ensuring the exercise met international security standards.
Officials from both sides underscored the importance of the exercise in enhancing Somalia’s ability to safeguard its territorial waters and protect shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. For Somalia, the drill represents another step in developing a professional and independent coast guard force capable of tackling piracy resurgence, human trafficking, and illegal fishing.
Operation Atalanta, launched in 2008, remains the EU’s flagship maritime security mission in the region, tasked with deterring piracy and ensuring the safe passage of vessels in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. The Somali Police Coast Guard, working under the Federal Government, continues to expand its operational reach with support from international partners.
This latest exercise highlights the ongoing partnership between Somalia and the European Union, reinforcing a shared commitment to stability, maritime security, and the rule of law in Somali waters.