Extension of Operation Active Endeavour

The United States welcomes the March 3 decision by the 19 NATO Allies to extend Operation Active Endeavour, which ensures safe passage of non-combatant vessels through the Strait of Gibraltar.  The consensus to extend Operation Active Endeavour to the Western Mediterranean strengthens NATO's counterterrorism capability, and demonstrates NATO's firm commitment to meeting the threat of terrorism from wherever it may come. Yesterday's decision authorizes NATO's Standing Naval Forces to escort Allied non-combatant ships in transit through the Strait of Gibraltar and to detect and respond to any threats that arise.