Manama, Bahrain – Pakistan-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 151’s commander, Cdre. Sohail Azmie, held key leader engagements with Somalia and Bahrain, May 20 and 28.

On May 20, Azmie held a video conference with Brig. Gen. Abdiwahab Abdullahi Omar, Chief of Somali Navy and Coast Guard to obtain first-hand knowledge about on-ground developments in Somalia and their impact on piracy and armed robbery, and exploring avenues of cooperation and collaboration between the Somali Navy, Coast Guard and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

Cdre. Azmie underscored the key role of information sharing related to maritime security and frequent interactions between CMF and partner-nations for overall success of CMF counter-piracy efforts. “We need to identify areas of concern within Somali waters where CMF could offer collaborative support to deter and suppress piracy and armed robbery,” Azmie said.

Brig. Gen. Abdiwahab Abdullahi Omar reaffirmed commitment to continued cooperation and exchange of relevant information with CTF 151 and synergizing combined efforts to ensure free flow of global maritime trade.

On May 28, Cdre. Azmie called on Brig. Muzammil Zaeem Awan, commander of Bahrain Coast Guard, to discuss avenues for collaboration between CMF and Bahrain Coast Guard. Cdre. Azmie also provided an overview of CMF and CTF 151 to the commander and highlighted the significance of collaboration for secure seas.

Brig. Muzammil Zaeem Awan expressed the commitment of the Bahrain Coast Guard to support CMF and appreciated the role CMF plays in overall regional maritime security.

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.