MOGADISHU (SD) -The Somali Coast Guard and the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) under the ATALANTA Operations recently conducted a joint military exercise in the Indian Ocean.

The forces collaborated in a training exercise known as Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS), which focused on boarding and inspecting ships suspected of engaging in illegal activities or violating Somali waters.

The purpose of this naval exercise was to enhance the professional skills of the Somali Coast Guard in effectively boarding and handling suspicious vessels.

EU officials noted that similar training has previously been provided to the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) and the Djiboutian Coast Guard.