China sends large military fleet to Gulf of Aden

SANAA, Sept. 26 (YPA) – China on Sunday has sent its 39th fleet for an escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the agency, the fleet is composed of the guided-missile destroyer Urumqi, the missile frigate Yantai, and the supply ship Taihu, with dozens of special-operations soldiers and two helicopters on board.

In preparation for the mission, the fleet conducted training on the use of weapons, counter-terrorism and anti-piracy, as well as replenishment at sea.

The Chinese navy began escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia in December 2008.

E.M