Troubling Report on Canadian Navy Operations -- Information DisseminationThis is just ugly, not because the Canadians find themselves unable to conduct meaningful operations due to ambiguity in international law dealing with piracy, but because the Canadians are sending their ships half way around the world without the necessary equipment and training to successfully do their work. From the Toronto Star.
Documents obtained by the Toronto Star show there were problems getting vital equipment and supplies for the frigate, along with fierce internal military squabbles.
Canada and other countries can't detain and prosecute the armed Somali pirates because of a loophole of international law that is now on United Nations Security Council's agenda. Under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention, the Canadians made an impromptu decision to give the Somalis blue NATO backpacks loaded with bottled water as they sent them back to the coast in their pirate boats.
Read more ....
More News On The Canadian Military
Canadian armed forces to cut $182 million -- UPI
Military cuts meant to save $190M -- Vancouver Sun
Canadian ship helps hostages freed by pirates -- CTV News
Officer honoured for pirate capture -- Red Deer Advocate
Helicopter crews play key role in counter-piracy operations -- Daily Gleaner
Women hear call of sea -- Toronto Sun