The Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command has issued the following press release

The Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command has issued the following press release:

[Quote]

MANAMA, Bahrain - The Commander, U.S. Naval Central Command has directed the establishment of a Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) in the Gulf of Aden. A force of Coalition Navy warships will patrol the area, and aircraft will fly in the airspace above.

Commodore Bob Davidson (Canadian Navy), commander Combined Task Force 150, will command naval forces in the patrol area.

The MSPA is being established in support of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) ongoing efforts. Coalition actions will give the IMO time to work international preventative efforts that will ultimately lead to a long-term solution.

Coalition ships are in the area as part of our continual presence in this region. While they have conducted routine operations in the area in the past, the establishment of the MSPA will focus the efforts to counter destabilizing activities in the region and improve security while long-term initiatives mature.

Coordinates of suggested corridor through the Gulf of Aden:

Waypoint: 12 15N 045E
Waypoint: 12 35N 045E
Waypoint: 13 35N 049E
Waypoint: 13 40N 049E
Waypoint: 14 10N 050E
Waypoint: 14 15N 050E
Waypoint: 14 35N 053E
Waypoint: 14 45N 053E

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The IMB supports this measure and strongly recommends all vessels to navigate through this corridor in the Gulf of Aden.

For further information please contact Capt Tom Hastings, U.S. Coast Guard
Maritime Liaison Office, Kingdom of Bahrain, Work: +973-1785-3927 Cell: +973-3944-2117 or the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre which can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week on +603 2031 0014, or emailed on imbkl@icc-ccs.org