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BRUSSELS, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- NATO on Thursday ended its counter-piracy operation Ocean Shield in the waters near Somalia, the organization said in a statement.
NATO ships and aircraft have patrolled the seas off the Horn of Africa since 2009 as part of a broad international effort to combat maritime piracy.
Ocean Shield has helped to prevent or disrupt hundreds of pirate attacks. Many pirates were detained during the mission and prosecuted by national authorities, according to NATO.
In 2014, the North Atlantic Council extended this operation until the end of 2016.
NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said Operation Ocean Shield has made an essential contribution to combating piracy in the seas off Somalia, and therefore keeping one of the world's most important waterways safe and secure.
"While the operation officially concludes today, NATO will continue to keep a close eye on the situation in the region and stands ready to restart our patrols should they be needed," Lungescu added.
