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US Military May Strike Pirates on Land

In Jefferson's time, US hit land bases

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 13, 2009 10:27 AM CDT
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(Newser) – One way for the US to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden is to cut it off at the source, targeting Somali pirate land bases. Coupled with economic and food aid for Somalia’s citizens, this plan is the only “silver-bullet solution,” an analyst tells Bloomberg. Such a strategy hearkens back two centuries to Thomas Jefferson’s eradication of the Barbary pirates.

But no anti-piracy efforts will be effective unless Somalia is able to start better governing itself: the poverty and lack of a strong government are key causes of marauding in the first place. Some have called for increased patrols in pirate-infested waters, but their sheer size makes that difficult. The Obama administration has also recommended security upgrades for ships.

Unidentified crew members of the Maersk Alabama are seen on the ship's deck at the port of Mombasa, Kenya, Monday, April 13, 2009, before the cargo ship was taken by pirates.
Unidentified crew members of the Maersk Alabama are seen on the ship's deck at the port of Mombasa, Kenya, Monday, April 13, 2009, before the cargo ship was taken by pirates.   (AP Photo/Sayyid Azim)
In this file photo some of the seven suspected Somali pirates are seen when they appeared in a Mombasa court on March 6, 2009 where they were charged with piracy within the Indian Ocean.
In this file photo some of the seven suspected Somali pirates are seen when they appeared in a Mombasa court on March 6, 2009 where they were charged with piracy within the Indian Ocean.   (AP Photo, files)
In this undated photo released by the French Defense Ministry on Friday, suspected pirates, at left, are seen after they were intercepted by marine commandos of the French Navy.
In this undated photo released by the French Defense Ministry on Friday, suspected pirates, at left, are seen after they were intercepted by marine commandos of the French Navy.   (AP Photo)
American ship Captain Richard Phillips was taken aboard the Virginia-based USS Bainbridge after being rescued from Somali pirates.
American ship Captain Richard Phillips was taken aboard the Virginia-based USS Bainbridge after being rescued from Somali pirates.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Mr.C
Apr 14, 2009 4:34 AM CDT
let's give them a government
Rob
Apr 13, 2009 11:18 AM CDT
How long before the Americans will be considered the aggressors in this?
Shannonals
Apr 13, 2009 10:06 AM CDT
About time it was the conflict was taken to the pirates vice reacting to their attacks

Another possibility: armed escorts
AFP

Strong military action is the right move
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

 
Somalia • crime • US military • poverty • pirates • US Navy • cargo ships • Gulf of Aden

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