KUALA LUMPUR, 5 Sept 2008: Several military and logistics aid belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) have been deployed to the Gulf of Aden in Yemen and Somalia to monitor the situation and assist in the operation to protect five MISC Bhd’s vessels passing the area.
RMAF Operations Commander Lieutenant General Datuk Rodzali Daud, however, declined to say what the assets were or their number as well as when they were sent.
"Yes, we have deployed our assets there, and are assisting in the operations by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
"What I can say is that when there’s an operation involving the assault unit, it will definitely involve the logistic unit as well. Perhaps, more (military elements) will follow," he told reporters after the handing over and receiving of duties between outgoing RMAF First Air Division Commander Major General Datuk Jusof Embong and his successor, Major General Datuk Roslan Saad here today.
Two MISC’s vessels have been hijacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden since 19 Aug 2008. A demand for ransom is believed to have been made by the hijackers. Following the incident, the Royal Malaysian Navy has deployed two battle ships – KD Lekiu and KD Inderapura – to the region. – Bernama
