The number of successful pirate attacks in the Horn of Africa region almost halved in 2011 according to NATO.
The number of successful attacks dropped from 45 in 2010 to 24 last year. It marks the first significant drop since the international community placed counter-piracy naval forces in the area three years ago.
The region had become a hotbed for piracy, with bandits from Somalia in particular demanding huge sums of money for ransom after hijacking vessels.
NATO and other forces have increased their presence in the area, while merchant vessels have upped their security measures, employing armed guards and using barbed wire and fire hoses to prevent attackers gaining access to ships.
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However, NATO has warned that the problem persists as pirates are widening their reach and devising ways of evading increased security, with NATO disrupting 96 of 129 attempted attacks last year.
“The fight isn't over," said Canadian Navy Commodore Bruce Belliveau, operations officer with NATO's counter-piracy command in Britain. "Clearly, if the maritime forces weren't there, the pirates would be back in force."
NATO stated that there are currently six ships and 175 hostages being held by Somali pirates.
"They're suffering and so are their families. It's part of the story that doesn't always get mentioned," Belliveau added.
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