CTF 150: Operations in the Bab El Mandeb Strait Continues
Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) operations continue in the southern Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb strait and Gulf of Aden, some of the most frequented waters in the world.
CTF 150: Operations in the Bab El Mandeb Strait Continues
Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) operations continue in the southern Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb strait and Gulf of Aden, some of the most frequented waters in the world. The third phase of this recent operation under the French command of the CTF 150 started yesterday. Indeed, after the planning then the integration phase of the different units that would have been able to coordinate the different assets available, the operation enters in its execution phase.
Patrol ships from the Yemeni Coast Guard and Navy and from the Djibouti Navy joined the different ships of the CTF150 in order to start common patrols. The French commander, in charge of all activities, said, “This operation shows and reinforces the interoperability that already exists between the different navies engaged under the CTF 150 banner and the forces of the region. The coordination has exceeded the framework of the traditional meetings of planning to establish common trainings. We have done several replenishments at sea with the patrol ships of the Yemeni coast guards and navy and the frigate HMS Kent. This successful escalation enables the launching of the operation in good terms.”
Alongside other CTF 150 units (France, Australia, Canada and UK) already present in the Red Sea, a Saudi frigate, patrol ships from the Yemeni Coast Guards, the Yemeni Navy and the Djibouti Navy are now playing a full role in the operation.
Their exchanges enable to improve the mutual knowledge of the zone and to update the situation in real time. A lot of input that will help to fight against terrorism and its support networks in this strategic zone for the merchant vessels.
In a few days, the operation will escalate again with the participation of civilian merchant vessels.
The Commander of CTF 150 said, “These operations will enable my Task Force to reinforce the links that unite CMF and the different maritime nations in the zone. It will improve the interoperability of CTF 150 assets with the Djiboutian and Yemeni coastal navies and contribute to maritime security in one the most frequented maritime waterways in the world.”
France has been in charge of Combined Task Force 150 for 3 months. CTF150 exists to create a lawful and stable maritime environment free from terrorism, smuggling and other illegal activities across an area of two million square miles, covering the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman.
Source: Combined Maritime Forces.
