Pirates have been operating freely off the southeastern shores of the Horn of. Africa since the collapse of Somalia's central government more than 20 years ago.3 Local law ... nomic interests and demonstrate lead- ership on an important regional ... sion of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, which patrols the Gulf but does not participate.... [Senate Hearing 111-165] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] S. Hrg. ... In the long run, effectively combating piracy off the Somali coast will be linked to