MOSCOW, December 23 (RIA Novosti) -- Russia's Baltic Fleet missile frigate Neustrashimy (Fearless) will have its anti-piracy mission off the Horn of Africa extended until mid-January, a Navy spokesman said.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on December 16 that the frigate would "soon" end its patrols off Somalia and be replaced by another Russian warship.
Capt. 1st Rank Igor Dygalo said on Tuesday the frigate had just completed an escort mission in the area and would accompany another convoy of merchant vessels starting on Thursday.
Pirates have been increasingly active in the waters off Somalia, where over 120 ships have been attacked so far this year, with around 40 vessels seized. The navies of at least 10 countries are involved in anti-piracy operations off the coast of the East African nation.
The Russian frigate has been operating off the Horn of Africa in accordance with international maritime law and international agreements.
Russia sent the Neustrashimy to Somalia's coast to protect Russian commercial shipping in October. When it completes its mission, it will be replaced by the Pacific Fleet's destroyer the Admiral Vinogradov.
