European Union will launch a security operation in Somali waters

The European Union announced on 2 October 2008 that it will launch a security operation in Somali waters to combat rampant piracy. The French Defense Minister stated that at least eight other countries have agreed to be a part of the task force. The EU made the decision following the hijacking of a Ukrainian vessel that contained a shipment of tanks and other arms. At least 50 piracy attacks have occurred in the Gulf of Aden and other Somali waters in 2008, a four-fold increase from 2007