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| Afghanistan/South Asia |
| Dhaka to Conduct Air Raids on Pirates |
| 2004-11-27 |
| Bangladesh will conduct air raids on pirates harassing commercial vessels off the coast of Chittagong in the Bay of Bengal, port sources said yesterday. Steps will also be taken to intensify coast guard and naval operations to curb piracy. Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Shahadat Hossain said,: "We have requested the air force to help coast guard and navy during anti-piracy operations in the sea and coastal belts. We want to step up the drive to ensure safety and security of foreign cargo vessels calling at the port." Additionally, Chittagong port authorities have decided to provide high-frequency radio sets to Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company, Chittagong Urea Fertilizer, TSP, silo and oil installations that will help them raise an alarm in the event of a pirate raid. A meeting of law enforcement agencies last week asked local police to launch frequent raids at the hideouts of pirates in the coastal villages of Patenga, Anwara and Banshkali. A top official of Chittagong port said, "We are also sending a proposal to the Ministry of Port and Shipping to initiate formation of an inter-ministerial body involving the home and defense ministries to devise an effective way of combating piracy to ensure security of vessels arriving here." On Oct. 31, a gang of armed pirates attacked a vessel outside Chittagong port injuring its 13 crew members and looting mobile phones, costly ropes and other goods. Two weeks ago, pirates attacked a North Korean-flagged ship at the same place and looted its valuable merchandise. |
| Posted by:Fred |