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[Photo: The SAF TG launched a Super Puma helicopter to investigate the suspected pirate boats and successfully deterred an attack on the merchant vessel MV Halmony Falcon]
Just two days after they started operating, the Singapore Armed Forces Task Group (SAF TG) proved a threat to suspected pirates at the Gulf of Aden.
The SAF TG was deployed to the Gulf of Aden on April 9 and commenced operations last Friday.
Operating under the ambit of the Combined Task Force 151, the SAF TG has been conducting sector patrols to deter pirate attacks.
On April 25, the SAF TG responded to an emergency call for assistance from a Mongolian-registered vessel, MV Harmony Falcon.
The SAF TG launched a Super Puma helicopter to investigate the suspected pirate boats and successfully deterred an attack on the merchant vessel.
The SAF TG, which comprises a navy landing ship tank - RSS Persistence, with two Super Puma helicopters on board, is staffed by 240 personnel from the army, navy and air force.
It will be deployed for three months to support the international efforts to counter piracy in the Gulf of Aden.
Commercial waterways in the Gulf of Aden are being patrolled by a coalition of warships and aircraft from several countries, including the US Navy. About 45 warships from around the world, including China and Malaysia, are already patrolling the area.
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