NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization

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NATO launched the counter-terrorism operation Active Endeavour in October 2001, as part of a package of measures undertaken by the Alliance in response to the 09/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. (Photos by PO2 Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert GEN)

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Under Operation Active Endeavour, NATO ships are patrolling the Mediterranean and monitoring shipping to help detect, deter and protect against terrorist activity.(Photograph by U.S. Navy MC2 Leonardo Carrillo)

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Operation Active Endeavour is NATO's only current operation conducted under Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.

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This operation is also enabling NATO to strengthen its relations with partner countries, especially those participating in the Alliance's Mediterranean Dialogue. (Photo by SNFM Photographer Emanuel Berthe)

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On 4 February 2003, NATO decided to extend Operation Active Endeavour to include escorting non-military ships travelling through the Strait of Gibraltar to maintain security in the area and to secure the safe transit of designated Allied ships. The escort was suspended in May 2004. (Photos by SNFL photographer SN Laura PONS)

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Since April 2003, NATO has been systematically boarding suspect ships. These boardings take place with the compliance of the ships' masters and flag states in accordance with international law. (Photos by Seaman Jose' Marques, Portuguese Navy)

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So far, NATO forces have hailed over 100,000 merchant vessels and boarded some 155 suspect ships. NATO's presence in these waters has improved security and benefited all shipping traveling through the area. (Photos by CPO Antonio Cotrufo, ITA Navy)

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In the course of its anti-terrorist activities, NATO forces have also detected and reported suspicious activitivies to appropriate law enforcement agencies such as drug trafficking, explosive movements, large numbers of irregular immigrants. (Photograph by U.S. Navy MC2 Leonardo Carrillo)

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In March 2004, NATO extended its remit to the whole of the Mediterranean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leonardo Carrillo)

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Since October 2004, Operation Active Endeavour has increasingly become an information and intelligence-based operation. (Photo by PO2 Klaus-Dietmar GABBERT)