Somali Coast Guard Holds Joint Drill with EU Naval Forces

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Somali Coast Guard has carried out a joint exercise with European Union naval forces under Operation Atalanta, highlighting its growing capacity to secure the country’s waters and combat maritime crime.

The drill included procedures for intercepting and detaining vessels violating Somalia’s territorial waters, as well as complex maneuvers involving large ships, officials said.

EU naval commanders praised Somali officers for their professionalism, noting significant progress in tackling piracy and smuggling along the Horn of Africa’s coastline.

Operation Atalanta has long provided training and technical support to Somalia’s maritime forces. Officials said the exercises are part of wider efforts to build the Coast Guard’s ability to protect shipping routes and safeguard national maritime resources.