(CNN) -- A Combined Maritime Forces warship intercepted a boat thought to be used for pirate activity off the coast of Somalia, the forces' multi-national counter-piracy task force said Tuesday.
The USS Anzio received reports that a merchant vessel had been attacked and fired upon by suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden, according to a task force statement.
The merchant vessel indicated that though the attack was unsuccessful, the alleged pirates were armed with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and AK-47 assault rifles, the statement said.
The Anzio pursued and intercepted the suspected pirate skiff Friday, the task force said.
"This cooperation culminated in the suspected pirates disposing of weapons and equipment that could be used for further piracy attempts, with the remaining suspected pirate paraphernalia being disposed of when the vessel was intercepted," said Capt. James Gilmour, commander of the combined task force.
Gilmour added he was pleased the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Navy, NATO and Japanese armed forces helped locate and apprehend the suspected pirate vessel.
According to the International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Reporting Centre, there have been 166 incidents of piracy reported this year off the coast of Somalia. Pirates in the region are currently holding 20 vessels and have nearly 400 hostages, the IMB said.
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