NATO unit begins security escorts

MOGADISHU, Somalia, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- A NATO task force arrived in the Gulf of Aden Tuesday to escort humanitarian aid shipments and counter security threats from pirates off the coast of Somalia.

The seven-ship NATO operation named Allied Provider deployed to the region in response to a U.N. request to address an escalating security crisis in Somalia's coastal waters, NATO reported.

Officials say the Greek frigate HS Themistokles on Monday began escorting a World Food Program-chartered vessel bringing aid to Somalia, where more than 3 million people are suffering because of rebel violence in the country and ships with humanitarian aid struggling to reach the country safely.

Pirates have attacked more than 60 ships in the Gulf of Aden in 2008, threatening not only humanitarian aid but international shipping routes.

"I am glad this operation is off to a good start, with practical support for both the World Food Program and the African Union," said NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.

"This demonstrates the real-world value of cooperation between international organizations."