MANAMA, Bahrain — Commander of Pakistan-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, Cmde. Sohail Azmie, conducted key leadership engagements with naval leaders from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Bahrain during the month of April. Additionally, he briefed a high-level delegation from Republic of Korea on the ongoing piracy situation in the CTF 151 area of operations.

On April 13, Cmde. Azmie visited KSA to further strengthen collaboration with Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) in counter-piracy efforts and enhance maritime security in the region. During the visit, Cmde. Azmie met with Rear Admiral Mansour Alotaibi, Assistant Commander Eastern Fleet of RSNF, and discussed the ongoing partnership between CMF and RSNF. Cmde. Azmie stated that CMF values the strong partnership with the RSNF and greatly appreciates their contribution to regional maritime security through assets and personnel.

On April 17, a 13-member Republic of Korea delegation, led by Brigadier General Kyoung Suk Woo, Deputy Director General of the International Policy Bureau of Korean Ministry of National Defence were briefed on the CTF 151 mission, latest updates on piracy and armed robbery in the region, and the need for continued deployment of naval assets in the area of operations. Cmde. Azmie expressed appreciation for ROKN’s continued support to CMF and its exceptional role in CTF 151 counter-piracy operations.

On April 28, Cmde. Azmie met with Rear Admiral Ahmed Mohamed Ebrahim Al Bin Ali, Commander of Royal Bahraini Naval Forces (RBNF) at Mina Salman Naval Base, Bahrain. They discussed the ongoing partnership between CMF and RBNF, and avenues for further collaboration. Cmde. Azmie acknowledged RBNF support to CMF, especially the Rainbow Staff assigned to CTF 151. Rear Admiral Al Bin Ali expressed appreciation for CMF’s role in maritime security and acknowledged Pakistan Navy’s contributions towards stable global maritime commons.

CTF 151 was established as a multinational task force in January 2009, and is one of five operational task forces under CMF. In conjunction with the EUNAVFOR, and together with independently deployed naval ships, CTF 151 helps to patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.

CMF headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.