Dutch Reject Marines on Ships

The Netherlands government, fearing a “spiral of violence” in the pirate-infested waters off the east coast of Africa, will not place military guards on commercial ships, according to local reports.

Dutch Defense Minister Elmert van Middelkoop announced the decision this week, rejecting calls by the country’s parliament to place marines on the vessels.

Van Middlekoop said there would be numerous hurdles to placing armed marines on the vessels, and he added that it could lead pirates in the Gulf of Aden to use heavier arms, “which can lead to a spiral of violence” in the region.

Many ships traveling through the Gulf of Aden and the waters off the lawless state of Somalia travel in escorted convoys since Somalia-based pirates stepped up their attacks in the shipping lanes earlier this year.