Press Release (2003) 016 5 March 2003

NATO escorts shipping in Gibraltar Statement by the NATO Spokesman This week NATO warships have taken on a new mission to escort Allied civilian ships through the Straits of Gibraltar. The Alliance decided to expand its naval operations in response to recent assessments of terrorist threats to particular shipping lanes. This new mission is part of NATO's continuing support for the campaign against terrorism, and is a significant extension of the existing Operation Active Endeavour, which was launched following the September 11 attacks on the United States. Under Operation Active Endeavour, NATO air and naval forces have been carrying out patrolling and surveillance activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Apart from demonstrating NATO's resolve in the face of terrorist threats, Operation Active Endeavour has already played a significant role in enhancing security in the Eastern Mediterranean. This new mission will help further safeguard the ships of NATO's nations against the threat of terrorism. News and information will routinely be posted on the NATO website: www.nato.int and the AFSOUTH website: www.afsouth.nato.int.

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