Spy planes are being used for the first time to track the movements of Somali pirates as they plunder hundreds of ships, a NATO report will reveal this week. Satellites may also be employed to identify gangs armed with rocket-propelled grenades and submachine guns off the Horn of Africa, the report said.
The NATO revelations come amid growing concern for the plight of Paul and Rachel Chandler, the middle-aged British couple held by bandits after being captured on their boat two weeks ago. Reports last week claimed that they had been moved inland and were being fought over by armed rival gangs.
The need for better surveillance of pirates comes as the number of attacks on ships increases and the number of hostages taken multiplies. There was a lull in hijackings during this season’s monsoon, but pirates have stepped up attacks in the past few weeks and are now holding some 10 vessels and at least 187 hostages.
The draft report, written by Lord Jopling, a NATO adviser, says the US Navy is flying unmanned aircraft from the Seychelles and argues that more spy planes and satellites should be employed to combat a growing threat.
The recommendations will help boost Operation Atalanta, an EU campaign to stop the piracy.
A resolution to be presented by Jopling to NATO’s assembly this week urges member governments and parliaments to contribute additional “aerial surveillance assets” and consider the deployment of satellites from the European space agency to help combat pirates off the horn of Africa.
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