Nato show of strength off Somalia

Six ships from Denmark, Portugal, the Netherlands, Canada, Germany and the US are on the first circumnavigation of Africa by a Nato naval group.



Sep 21, 2007 report by Nick Childs, BBC world affairs correspondent. Excerpt:

Just over a month ago the Nato force began its circumnavigation of Africa - a first for the alliance.

The ships sailed down the west coast, and conducted operations in the Gulf of Guinea - another area of concern.

They also took part in what Nato called "highly successful" exercises with the South African Navy - an emerging regional maritime power.

The Nato deployment is further evidence that the alliance is seeking to adopt a broader security mission beyond its old Cold War role, and that the major Western powers are taking a new and increasing interest in the security issues in and around Africa.