Germany takes over command of EU-led anti-piracy mission

The German navy has for the first time ever taken over the command of the European Union-led anti-piracy operation, code-named Atalanta, media reports said here Saturday. A focal point of Atalanta has been the battle against piracy off the coast of Somalia. According to German admiral, Thomas Jugel who heads the mission, some 100 pirates have been already arrested and handed over to courts for prosecution. The mission's main objective is to protect humanitarian shipments for crisis-hit Somalia and to help improve the maritime security off the coast, added Jugel. Several German warships and around 269 soldiers are taking part in the EU naval operation which has also been authorized by the German parliament.