E.U. Force Assumes Anti-Piracy Mission

A European Union flotilla has replaced a NATO-led force responsible for leading anti-piracy efforts off the coast of Somalia, reports London's Daily Telegraph.

British Vice Adm. Philip Jones commands the six-vessel E.U. force, which includes warships from France, Greece and Spain, as well as three surveillance aircraft.

The E.U. patrols, codenamed Operation Atalanta, will escort commercial ships and protect vessels delivering aid to Somali ports.