We have a small advantage in the area with our well positioned base at Djibouti (right on the spot). What surprise me the most is that it took us so much time to move in.
We have a fighter squadron permanently based in the area along with several helicopters and the facilities to deploy what was needed. We could have stationed a few ships a long time ago but we have been active only for a few months. Strangely the strong involvement of the French became true only after the sailing boat "Ponant" was taken over, a nice cruising ship owned by one of our president's friend. He diserved assistance, of course, but I keep the strange feeling that our involvement wouldn't be that high if that ship had not been taken over.
Before that most of the job had been carried out by US ships, intervening even on behalf of a North Korean ship (medical assistance). Therefore, in my opinion, the thanks is to you guys.
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