World · Africa · 3 hrs ago
Spanish forces train for pirate threats in the Gulf of Aden
Spanish special forces practised boarding and seizing ships aboard a frigate in the Gulf of Aden.
The ship leads the European Union’s Operation Atalanta, which patrols the Gulf and the western Indian Ocean to deter piracy.
The region has seen 79 pirate attacks since November 2023, including about 30 after the Iran war began in February, according to the mission’s at-sea commander.
The increase comes amid conflicts and instability around the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, though the commander said he was not claiming a direct link between the crises and piracy.
The nearby Bab el-Mandeb is a key route for global trade, and disruption there could affect shipping and prices.
Atalanta patrols with ships, aircraft and drones, and its forces share surveillance information with partner countries.
Spanish special forces trained aboard a frigate in the Gulf of Aden for possible operations to seize vessels taken by pirates.
The frigate, ESPS Santa Maria, leads the European Union’s Operation Atalanta in the region.
Atalanta’s commander said instability contributes to illegal activity and piracy.
The article reported 79 pirate attacks in the region since Houthi attacks on shipping began in November 2023.
About 30 of those attacks occurred after the Iran war broke out in February, according to an Atalanta commander.
- Who
- Spanish special forces aboard the frigate ESPS Santa Maria, which leads the EU’s Operation Atalanta.
- What
- The forces trained with weapons for possible operations to seize vessels taken by pirates.
- When
- The exercise was reported on November 10, 2026. The article does not state when the exercise took place.
- Where
- In the Gulf of Aden, aboard the Spanish frigate ESPS Santa Maria.
- Why
- To prepare for possible orders to seize vessels taken by pirates amid rising piracy threats.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The EU’s Atalanta anti-piracy force was first established.
The Houthis first attacked shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb over Israel’s war in Gaza.
The Iran war broke out, after which roughly 30 pirate attacks were reported.
AP published its report on Spanish special forces training in the Gulf of Aden.
- Ship
- ESPS Santa Maria
- Mission
- EU Operation Atalanta
- Crew
- More than 200
- Pirate attacks
- 79 since November 2023
- Attacks after Iran war outbreak
- Roughly 30
What people are saying
Instability causes instability. Instability causes illegal activities. Illegal activities cause clans to go to the sea.
I am not saying that there is a direct link with this crisis, but what I can say is that crisis creates crisis.
If it is in danger, if it is threatened, you are not going to have what you need. The prices are going to rise, and our life is going to be much worse.