Russia will send a Pacific Fleet detachment under missile destroyer Admiral Vinogradov to the Horn of Africa to protect the area from Somali pirates, Interfax quoted a military diplomatic source as saying. They will also help enhance security in the area.
      
      The task force comprising a tugboat and two tankers will leave for Somali waters after joint naval drills with the Indian navy in the Indian Ocean. It will leave its main base in Vladivostok for the INDRA-2009 exercises on December 9th.
      
      Somali pirates have attacked over 120 ships so far this year, resulting in the seizure of 39 vessels and the capture of at least 600 merchant seamen for ransom.
      
      Source: www.lenta.ru