Fallon announces UK to lead Gulf Maritime Force

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced that the UK will lead a Gulf joint maritime force to deter piracy, tackle terrorism, and disrupt smuggling.

Fallon said that from April, the UK will lead the Combined Task Force (CTF150) which covers two million square miles, including the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman. CTF150 acts to deny terrorist groups, such as ISIL, a risk-free method of conducting attacks or moving personnel, weapons or income generating narcotics.

Fallon made the announcement on board HMS Defender, the Type 45 Destroyer which is currently patrolling the Gulf. The continuous presence of the Royal Navy in the Middle East helps to keep maritime trade flowing and safeguards the UK economy by countering piracy and policing the flow of oil and gas in the country’s ports.

Fallon said: “The UK has one of the strongest navies in the world and we are looking forward to leading this important joint force. This underlines our commitment to working with allies to fight Daesh and tackle terrorism across the region.”

Following his visit to Qatar, Fallon signed a new Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between Qatar and the UK in London, which will enable closer coordination on training exercises.

Fallon added: “The UK has strong and growing ties with Qatar and this new defence agreement underlines our commitment to one of our most important regional allies. Last week’s attacks in Brussels are a reminder that all of us, the Gulf and Europe, must stand together to defeat ISIL and disrupt its attack planning.”