A flotilla of four Turkish naval ships arrived Karachi for joint exercises with Pakistan Navy during a three-day visit. The ships – TCG Barbaros, TCG Gemlik and TCG Gelibolu, along with a logistic vessel TCG Gungor – are part of the ongoing counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. The spokesman of the Turkish Maritime Task Group (TMTG), Lt Savas Guleroglu, told reporters onboard TCG Barbaros on Saturday that piracy was a threat to the security to the maritime operations. He said the TMTG would support the ongoing counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin and adjoining areas to enhance cooperation and contribute towards the multinational efforts and endeavours. The TMTG provides naval escort for Turkish and non-Turkish flagged vessels in the area and facilitate international efforts to help provide shipping protection for merchant navy vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden. Lt Savas reiterated Turkish Navy’s commitment for the security of the sea lanes of communications and safe passage for all the vessels.
