Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nato defence ministers agreed today to send ships to escort vessels carrying food aid and protect them from piracy off the coast of Somalia, an alliance diplomat said.
The ministers agreed the ships would be sent "soon" and would work with other organizations including the European Union, the diplomat says.
He spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the official announcement of the decision expected later today.
Momentum has been growing for coordinated international action against the growing pirate menace following the seizure late last month of a Ukrainian cargo ship laden with tanks and heavy weaponry.
Several European Union countries last week said they would launch an anti-piracy patrol, and Russia announced it would cooperate with the West on fighting the pirates. US warships, meanwhile, are being diverted from counterterrorism duties to respond to the seafaring bandits.
Details of the Nato plan were not immediately available. The alliance has been running naval patrols in the Mediterranean Sea since 2001 to deter terrorists, and allied military experts have discussed setting up a similar operation off the Horn of Africa.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments