As much as I like the idea, it is not as easy as that. Ever read the Greek story of the Hydra? cut of 1 head, 2 grow back? - there is too much money involved with people suffering without food and water - they of course will do anything, unfortunately including piracy, to survive.

To put it in a better perspective, why not just 'james bond' the head of a drug cartel and assasinate them? becuase, it would change nothing.. Hence - don't kill them - just disrupt their ability to commit the crime.

There's a serious problem with trying to take out the pirates--some groups are supported by local people. Back when everything came crashing down, fishermen banded together to form coast guard groups, and many of them ended up becoming pirates because they couldn't feed their families. Many of them still see foreign ships as trespassers and it's the job of their "coast guard" to plunder the ships and hold the crew for ransom.

My point is that assassinations work, but only when the target isn't seen as a necessary evil (or worse, a protector of sorts) AND you cripple the organization's ability to operate. That way you can minimize the chance of new groups taking its place.

Have to go with Jaslam on this, there will always be somebody who is willing to pick up a weapon. The only true way to stop this is to remove their ability to attack ships offshore. I guess if we just shot anyone who had a AK 47 offshore of Somalia then that also would put a crimp in their operations but that wont happen.

Big bravo for EU! It should have been done long ago. Good place to use armed drones.

Definitely not the first time they have been attacked on land. I have seen the French do at least twice while I'll was still in the Navy.

So we have Drones that can spot these extremist leaving land in their little tug boats carrying automatic weapons?

Just blow them out of the water no one will care..

@Lusitania - The problem is sometimes the ships they take, they keep the crew aboard as prisoners and human shields. If you blow the boat out of the water, you're sometimes taking the risk of killing the prisoners. This is mostly in regards to the fishing trawlers they take as the mother ships, not the ships they take for ransom.

Please U.S. stay out of the EU's activities. In other words, let them handle this.

How does somebody get such a clear picture of a pirate? What did you do to get a photograph of a criminal so close? Cameras don't grow on mushrooms.

Leiya: Some of our ships have been attacked as well. This would be a good use of our military, finally.

The action was conducted from the air and "at no point did EU Naval Force 'boots' go ashore,"

But that is coming. ;->

Leiya -

Piracy on this scale is everyone's business. Everyone with sufficient resources, especially at sea, needs to be combating it. We have had a task force working that for several years now. The U.S. Navy is also designing and launching new ships for this purpose (See the LCS-2, USS Independence).

Finally a response to priacy that makes sense. Instead of reacting to their attacks take it to them and show them this will not be tolerated anymore. Yes I understand you can't just carpet bomb their coast and you have to be careful when they have hostages and that there is always a good chance someone else will take their place or that it could cause more to try and take up piracy as a means of revenge but we also can't use those excuses to continue to let it happen either. They obviously don't want to talk and the BS excuse for trespassing has no weight since many attacks have been in international waters. It's one thing if people were on land stealing resources or even fishing in waters that belong to Somalia but when these ships are in international waters all bets are off. Also the "our country sucks "excuse is no reason to rob others. I know when times are tough you do what you have to to survive but this has gone beyond that. They know right from wrong. They have seen a free meal and are taking it instead of trying to improve their situation at home. Sorry that it is so bad but you made your bed now sleep in it. From here on every pirate attack should result in a bombing on the Somaliee main land. As for the pirates if caught, shoot on site. I'm not crazy about it but sometimes there is no other choice and this is what these people understand. The rest of the world should not have to be paying for this anymore.

It is time

This will escalate into yet another 'endless war' just like Bush got us in to. Put armed escort vessels with ours to kill them if they approach and pull out of all the other worthless 'nation building' wars we are in.

For a few thousand dollars a day, every one of these cargo ships and petroleum tankers could have an embarked-security team aboard. (It is reported, however, that only about 1 in 5 does.) Despite all of their weapons, the African pirates are khat-chewing cowards; if they encounter organized, armed resistance, they turn tail and look for a "soft target" in another ship.

To the commentator here who said America should stay out of EU business (regardiing Somali pirates), let me be the first to pop his euro-bubble: The Americans already are there. One of the world's best maritime-security outfits is headquartered in Texas, in fact. Its Web site is

We should use their pirate vessels as a live fire excercise for the armed forces.

Somalia is a failed country. No one paid any attention or cared, it failed and was taken over by warlords. There are generations of people that will need to be wiped out to have a chance at ending this. Take out a few and more replace them. The only real options are take them all out or wait for them to die out. Until we are willing to go down the path that results in a real solution, this is pointless.

The local Somali people ... many of whom have suffered so much because of piracy in the region, can be reassured that our focus was on known pirate supplies and will remain so in the future.

From what I am aware of, the local Somali people have been benefiting greatly from the whole thing.

Delayed retaliation against these pirates has allowed them to accumulate wealth and increase their capabilities. Why is it the UN never reacts to this in a timely fashion? It is like the US stalled on going after the Drug Cartels or Al Qaida making it so much more difficult to erradicate. We never seem to learn to nip these activities in the bud.

Right again Deputy Rontron. Its bud nipping time!

Astute observation j70141 in Colorado, the people of Somalia haven't been suffering because of piracy, they have turned to piracy to alleviate their suffering. Their's is a failed state. Their government is impotent and their economy is all but dead. There are no distribution systems in place, no infrastructure, and no means of providing for one's family other than engaging in criminal activity. The Somali people at least have not turned on each other en masse, but have turned their attention to the international shipping lanes for income and prosperity. They are without many, if any, options to provide for themselves and each other.

Somalia is not just a failed state, it is a pirate nation.

Hey, E.U. military forces ----- If it floats, SINK IT ! If enough vessels are taken out, hindering the livelihoods of the "real fishermen", then the locals will convince the pirates to cease and desist. In the meantime, sink all Somali ships out at sea and TAKE NO PRISONERS. The only law that criminals understand is the RULE OF FORCE.

Mr. Zimmerman -

In the imortal words of Commander James Bond, "Never say @!$%# again, you petty bickering racist!"

[with some small liberites taken]

I am so tired of the bleeding heart attitude of being "Nice", or "Politically Correct", or worried about "Doing what's right".

What's "Right", is for someone to grow a pair, to launch an amphipious assault landing, with air support and naval gunfire, on the biggest of these coastal pirate ports and take the damn place over! With a shore base of operations established, then spread out along the coast and shut down the other pirate operating locations until there is no port/haven/hole-in-the-wall for them to operate from. To hell with the rest of the country. just control the coast and there is no more piracy.

There is NO Solmalia. No Army. No Navy. No Air Force. No Government. No Territorial Waters! What use to be a nation is now a lawless haven for Pirates and petty gangs and Warlords. The place should be considered now a Live-Fire training ground for any of the worlds military forces on how to land in hostile territory, re-establish order, and claim it as their own.

Yes. People will get killed. Civilian causalities will happen. Tough Poo-Poo! Feces Occurs! Welcome to the real World! The same situation and conditions existed some 75 years in France when several nations got together and said enough is enough, landed on the coast, and kicked some butt to re-establish order there too.

Piracy is a cancerous disease. When it breaks out in one area, it will spread to others if not treated with extreme prejudice. That is already happening now. It can not be dealt with by a soft approach, legal means, or P. C. kid-gloves. It must be stopped.

Solomon, if that happened, you'd be one of the first to scream how we shouldn't be there. BTW, let's put your family on the shores, and see if your tone changes, you POS.

Somali pirates can be as cool if played by Jonny Depp.

RETIRE them TO: Davy Jones LOCKER, for keeps.

jon...had any military experience? I didn't think so. Funny how you armchair warriors always have the best strategies.

...it's about time someone took the fight to the pirates. For too long they have been thumbing their noses at international law. Sink all of their ships and blow up their mansions and if there is "collateral damage", well, gee...too bad.

Live by the sword, die by the sword

Well put, oilman. I also get tired of those able bodied Americans who are always spouting off about what "we" did or what "we" should do with respect to military operations. If you believe in the cause that much, get off your computer and go to your nearest recruiter. They would love to have you.

Cappy-1911 & OilmanMD - Quick question: Are veterans the only people allowed to have an opinion on what and how military operations are conducted?

No, zupercram. But it does give you the ability to talk what you know. You can have all the opinions you want, but civilians tend to have pretty far fetched ideas of what the military can and cannot do. My particular beef is with those who can't wait for "us" to go to war with Iran, North Korea, Pakistan and the like, yet have no interest in serving and contributing to the fight.

Cappy-1911 -

My particular beef is with those who can't wait for "us" to go to war with Iran, North Korea, Pakistan and the like, yet have no interest in serving and contributing to the fight.

Agreed, those people are called chickenhawks. But jonjojon's comments don't appear to be hawkish, so much as questioning the publication of material that could theoretically aid the enemy. He didn't really talk strategy that much, so I'm not sure how military experience would've clarified his take on the situation. In my opinion, his comments have some merit, as far as don't reveal plans to the enemy.

Mr. zupercram - You wrote:

"Cappy-1911 & OilmanMD - Quick question: Are veterans the only people allowed to have an opinion on what and how military operations are conducted?"

In a properly ordered society, those who serve the nation are the best qualified to govern it. Of course, those who have not served their nation will complain some.

US Army - Sixth Generation active service; fielded in 'Nam. Active duty from '65 through half of '71. Don't judge someone you don't know, if fact don't judge anyone unless "Ye be judged" in the end.

I've served in combat; has the MD? I don't doubt it as I work at a VA Hospital as a volunteer now that I'm retired, talk to our newer Vets on a daily basis and know of many fine MDs who started as Corpsmen.

I'm kind of surprised though that you two (whom I assume to be Vets) would jump to a conclusion about any complaint that our "Modern" Military Minds are putting our Men & Women and our Military Missions in jeopardy with some of their decisions for the sake of "Political Correctness" and clean paperwork trails.

Armchair? Hardly. P.S.: Welcome home my son who is newly returned from Afghanistan as a combat engineer; We talk too.... and compare notes!

Right! Bomb and kill millions of men, women and children who also live in fear of pirates, paramilitary thugs, and warlords. That'll show 'em!

Using a $500,000 bomb to destroy mud huts seems to be a bit stupid.

seee OilmanMD's post above, amigo.

i always thought i sat in front so nobody but the teacher could hear what i had to say?

Mackenzie-669961

Somalia and Nigeria need to be brought to their knees.

....wouldn't that be racial profiling?

Says David, from the comfort and security of his comfy desk chair....

And your response to this piracy, Nikolaus20, would be ...?

It's so easy to deride others' ideas and suggestions without offering any solutions of your own, mate. How about a bit of proactive ideas about this piracy scourge instead of reactive negativity to others' comments, probably while sitting in the comfort of your own desk chair.

Nikolaus20,

So, by your logic, you can't suggest arresting murderers and rapists unless you're a cop.

Nikolaus20--- I wish I had a big comfy desk chair like yours and could sit there and criticize others. I've been deployed three times to the area (OIF and OEF) and getting ready for another. Why don't you come along and see first hand that the only language these dirt bags know and understand is violence.

President Bush issued in 2007 a memorandum on piracy at sea at Memorandum
from the President:

SUBJECT: Maritime Security (Piracy) Policy

. . .

III. POLICY
The United States strongly supports efforts to repress piracy and other criminal acts of violence
against maritime navigation. The physical and economic security of the United States
-- a major global trading nation with interests across the maritime spectrum --
relies heavily on the secure navigation of the world’s oceans for unhindered
legitimate commerce by its citizens and its partners. Piracy and other acts of
violence against maritime navigation endanger sea lines of communication, interfere
with freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce, and undermine
regional stability.

Piracy endangers maritime interests on a global scale, and the responsibility
for countering this threat does not belong exclusively to the United States.
Consequently, the United States will engage states and international
and regional organizations to develop greater resources, capacity, and
authorities to repress piracy and maximize inclusion of coalition assets in
piracy repression operations.

Piracy repression should include diplomatic, military, intelligence, economic,
law enforcement, and judicial actions. Effectively responding to piracy and
criminal activity sends an important deterrent message and requires
coordination by all departments and agencies of the U.S. Government in order to
ensure that those responsible are brought to justice in a timely manner.

It is the policy of the United States to repress piracy, consistent with U.S.
law and international obligations, and to cooperate with other nations in
repressing piracy through the following actions:

* Prevent pirate attacks and other criminal acts of violence against U.S.
vessels, persons, and interests;

* Interrupt and terminate acts of piracy consistent with international law and
the rights and responsibilities of coastal and flag states;

* Reduce the vulnerability of the maritime domain to such acts and exploitation
when U.S. interests are directly affected;

* Ensure that those who commit acts of piracy are held accountable for their
actions by facilitating the prosecution of suspected pirates and ensure that
persons suspected of committing acts of violence against maritime navigation
are similarly held accountable by flag and littoral states and, in appropriate
cases, the United States;

* Preserve the freedom of the seas, including high seas freedoms;

* Protect sea lines of communication; and

* Continue to lead and support international efforts to repress piracy and
other acts of violence against maritime navigation and urge other states to
take decisive action both individually and through international efforts.

[The current administration is a little weak on execution]

Yeah because it's real Ayn Rand solution to have government protect the interest of big business.

Hank,

The real Ayn Rand solution would be to allow the shippers to arm their vessels and defend themselves.

It's the shippers and the insurance companies that don't want to arm the vessels.

Of course they don't. Why pay to defend yourself when you can get the government to do it for you?

Anne Rice could write an excellent operations plan. Suck the life right outa them.

actually i read somewhere that the reason merchant ships are not armed is b/c some ports will not allow an armed merchant vessel to dock. i say screw it and get some old vietnam era ma deuces and light up the pirates that sail in range.

Mr. Tylor -

There are restricions by most nations about armed vessels entering their ports. International law does not restrict arming on the high seas.

In the last 18 months insurers have relieved restrictions on arming vessels the cover. Some are now armed and the number is increasing.

Most of the ships' security teams disembark before reaching port.

thx. i was unsure about the current regs. i dont get why a security company doesnt just use a barge moored outside the countries limit. basically a ship slows down they send a high speed motorboat with security out and do the same to disembark. cheaper than using a helicopter by far.

Can you say "drones with missiles"? Cost effective, zero casualties on our side- buy stock in Raytheon!

Considering how expensive drones are (I'd imagine) I don't know if that would work. Most drones are being used for the war I believe. But, a very good idea on your part. I think one or two drone strikes and those pirates would run like hell! And I guess, drone's would be cheaper than having alot of military up and down the coastline.

So we should invade Somalia?

Here's a better solution. Stay out of their waters and stop using them for a toxic dumping ground/free-for-all fishing resource. "Coming to a plate near you."

As for the ever-popular drone: what do you think will happen when our 'enemies' get them?

rfaber9 -

We already have the drones in place in the region at Djibouti. We need to political will to use them.

I do believe some ships have had hired gunhands on board but it's really expensive. But I agree with you. That would take care of the problem.

No ship has been taken in the Horn of Africa region with armed security on board. It works.

By your logic, the US and EU deserve to be invaded.

Its the illegal fishing and toxic wasted dumped into Somali waters that have hurt the local economy. That's why the fishermen turned to piracy in the first place. The fish were either dead or already in Europe, and they and their families were sickened by the toxic waste.

No one is interested in self-sufficiency. If we let them keep what's theirs, then that means less for us. "Hey how did our fish get in your water? How did our oil get under your sand?"

matt-3438419

they squak and say they are a poor nation without jobs or resorces. they have boats for piracy

and I'll bet they drive Mercedes and Escalades with 20 inch rims

"rim" is also a useful verb.

I wonder if they even interrogate the captured pirates at sea where the "mother ship" is located so they can destroy it.

Last year more than 150 pirates were in prison in the region. Some convicted, some awaiting trial.

The only standard is might.

"Eliminating their boats and fuel dumps will make it more difficult".... they just get another boat and get some more gas. I dont know about you but the way to eliminate the problem is to cut off the head of the snake......i.e. the pirate!!! We blow up one of their boats.....they just grab another boat...one belonging to a real "fisherman" and put a bigger motor on it.....BINGO!!! a new pirate boat. Put some snipers on board commerical ships (50 cal)....you see a boat coming at and the crew has AK's you put a big hole in their bow and let it slowly sink with all on board.....Sharks got to eat to!!

Mr. CEO -

See Presidential memo on piracy, above.

Mario: 1) The memo is 5 years old and was issued by a President, on which the current administration places blame for just about every issue imaginable. There's no reason to think they wouldn't also place blame for the piracy. 2) the memo deals with American policy, the article is written in regards to an EU action.

Mr. CEO -

It is still not to be discounted as policy of our nation. Mr. Obama has not issued a piracy policy of his own, nor done much to enage this enemy, the pirates.

And it is in response to several threads in this posting. Clearly on topic.

A ships masts aren't just for antennas anymore.

You mean all pirates are not like Capt. Jack Sparrow? Hollywood painting the wrong picture of pirates!!!!! Bastards!!!

Sure! Somalia doesn't have any nuclear power plants to damage. Get that wave going!

Nice idea but it wont work. It will be declared a disaster and the good ole USA will come to their aid give millions of dollars so the so called "fishermen" can replace their fishing boat AKA pirate vessel. I can see it now.....pirates pull up to a commerical vessel in a brand new shiny boat with a made in America decal on it.

Jeff -

They would like new boats, but they are very sentimental about their good old AK-47s.