New US-led naval force to battle Somali pirates

By BRIAN MURPHY Associated Press Writer

Posted: 01/08/2009 05:46:07 AM MST

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—A new international naval force under American command will soon begin patrols to confront escalating attacks by Somali pirates after more than 100 ships came under siege in the past year, the U.S. Navy said Thursday.

But the mission—expected to begin operations next week—appears more of an attempt to sharpen the military focus against piracy rather than a signal of expanded offensives across one of the world's most crucial shipping lanes.

The force will carry no wider authority to strike at pirate vessels at sea or specific mandates to move against havens on shore—which some maritime experts believe is necessary to weaken the pirate gangs that have taken control of dozens of cargo vessels and an oil tanker.

Pentagon officials described it as a first step to create a dedicated international structure—combining military force, intelligence sharing and coordinated patrols—to battle piracy from lawless Somalia.