First Maritime Drill With West African Forces Conducted By The U.S. Military

West African troops used grappling hooks and deployed silently into rusty ferries to disarm mock kidnappers in an exercise conducted by the U.S. military as part of the Flintlock program.

Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command for Africa (SOCAF) – Admiral Milton Sands, said this program is assisting coastal states in combating maritime threats, like drugs, illegal fishing, human trafficking and piracy.

This region has lately become a global piracy hotspot, but fortunately, incidents have decreased since 2021. 350 soldiers from Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria have conducted the drill.

The Financial Transparency Coalition estimates that IUU fishing is costing West Africa $9.4 billion through unlawful financial flows.

Among the 10 top companies involved in this activity, eight are Chinese-flagged vessels that often ignore regulations despite enforcement efforts.

Commodore Godwin Livinus Bessing from Ghana’s Naval Training Command is focusing on curbing IUU fishing due to a shortage of resources; he believes that if more ships were patrolling the waters, illegal activities could be reduced drastically.

References: Reuters, DNA

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Latest Shipping News You Would Like:

U.S Navy And The Philippines Begin Joint Naval Drills In South China Sea Amidst Tensions With China

Posted on October 3, 2023

In a show of force against China amid ever growing tensions in the much-disputed waterway, defense allies the Philippines and the US started conducting combined naval activities on Monday.

Captain Of Cargo Ship Carrying €157million Worth Of Cocaine Appears In Wexford Court

Posted on October 3, 2023

The ship captain of the MV Matthew got a bail rejection after he appeared at the court on being charged over the €157 million cocaine seizure off the country’s south coast.

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Warships Arrive At Port Klang, Malaysia

Posted on October 3, 2023

As part of the Indian Navy’s log-range deployment in Southeast Asia, the vessels of the First Training Squadron (1TS)-ICGS Sarathi, INS Tir, and INS Sujata are visiting Malaysia’s Port Klang.

Environmental Groups Demand Rules To Protect The North Atlantic Right Whale From Ship Collisions

Posted on October 3, 2023

A coalition of environmental groups has been calling on the country’s federal government to have in place emergency rules to safeguard a fast-vanishing species of whale from collisions with large vessels.

U.S Navy And Lockheed Martin Fire Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile With A 4000 NM Range

Posted on October 3, 2023

The Fleet Ballistic Missile — One Trident II D5 Life Extension, was successfully launched on 27 September by Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy, off the coast of California.