A Dutch navy helicopter was shot at on Thursday off the coast of Somalia, according to a report from the Ministry of Defence.

The Lynx helicopter from the frigate HNLMS Van Amstel was not in serious danger of being downed. “The unit conducted a reconnaissance flight at high altitude'' said a spokesperson for the ministry, who added that gunfire was observed during the flight.

So far, both the source of the shots and they type of weapon used are unclear.

The HNLMS Van Amstel is part of the EU’s fight against piracy off the coast of Somalia, called Operation Atalanta. The Netherlands is also  taking part in Ocean Shield, NATO’s anti-piracy operation in the region. Starting in June, HNLMS Evertsen will join the NATO mission. 

Read more on the Dutch fight against Somali pirates.

(dcf/rk)

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