Maritime Security: Updating U.S. Counterpiracy Action Plan Gains Urgency as Piracy Escalates off the Horn of Africa

Abstract : Since 2008, the international community has taken steps to respond to the growing piracy problem, including patrols by the United States, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the European Union, and others in waters near Somalia; the establishment of a multinational naval task force with a specific mandate to conduct counterpiracy operations; and several United Nations Security Council resolutions such as the one that led to the formation of a multilateral Contact Group to coordinate international counterpiracy efforts. Recognizing that vibrant maritime commerce underpins global economic security and is a vital national security issue, the United States has also developed policies and plans to collaborate with its international partners and to mobilize an interagency U.S. response. In December 2008, the National Security Council (NSC) published the Countering Piracy off the Horn of Africa: Partnership & Action Plan. The Action Plan seeks to involve all nations, international organizations, industry, and other entities with an interest in maritime security in taking steps to repress piracy off the Horn of Africa. The interagency initiatives of the Action Plan are to be coordinated and undertaken by DOD, as well as the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, State, Transportation, and the Treasury, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, subject to the availability of resources. The international community, shipping industry, and international military forces also have been instrumental in efforts to prevent and disrupt acts of piracy off the Horn of Africa and facilitate prosecutions of suspected pirates. Our recent report on this subject, published in September 2010, includes more information on the U.S. agencies and many of the key international and industry partners involved in the response to piracy off the Horn of Africa with whom the United States collaborates and coordinates.