Spy planes tracking Somali pirates as attacks escalate

LONDON - Spy planes are being used for the first time to track the movements of Somali pirates as they plunder hundreds of ships, a Nato report will reveal.

Satellites may also be employed to identify gangs armed with rocket-propelled grenades and submachine guns off the Horn of Africa, according to the report.

The revelations, in a resolution to be presented to Nato's assembly this week, come amid growing concern for the plight of Paul and Rachel Chandler, the middle-aged British couple held by bandits after being captured on their boat 15 days ago. Reports last week claimed that they had been moved inland and were being fought over by armed rival gangs.

The need for better surveillance of pirates comes as the number of attacks on ships increases and the number of hostages taken multiplies.

There was a lull in hijackings during this season's monsoon, but pirates have stepped up attacks in the past few weeks and are now holding some 10 vessels and at least 187 hostages.

The draft report, written by Lord Jopling, a Nato adviser, says the US Navy is flying unmanned aircraft from the Seychelles, 1610km off the east coast of Africa, and argues that more spy planes and satellites should be employed to combat a growing threat.

The recommendations will help boost Operation Atalanta, an EU campaign to stop the piracy.

The joint naval patrol includes vessels from Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden.

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