International navies must keep up the pressure on Somali pirates, despite the number of attacks falling.

That is the warning from the commander of the EU Naval Force, UK rear admiral Duncan Potts.

He said the gains made by the task force could still be reversed and the fight against piracy would only succeed once the security situation improves in Somalia.

"Yes we have increased the pressure on the pirates but I think now that we are enjoying tactical success, the importance is increasing that pressure evermore," Potts told reporters in Brussels.

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