The Netherlands is to send a naval frigate to Somalia to protect UN ships carrying food aid to the country from being attacked by pirates.

The proposal by aid minister Bert Koenders is expected to be approved by the cabinet later on Friday, reports ANP news service
Six UN ships carrying emergency supplies to Somalia have been attacked by pirates since 2005.
The waters off the coast of the African country have been protected by French and Danish ships since August last year and the UN has now requested the Dutch take over the operation for a few months, says ANP.
If the cabinet agrees, the Dutch frigate Evertsen will be sent to the territorial waters of Somalia next month.
According to Koenders, piracy has fallen since the ships have guarded the area.