Caught Red Handed; British Assassins in the Horn of Africa

[Jan Klimkowski]

Excerpt from trade press interview with PVI's Dom Mee:

Rules of Engagement

Dom explained the Rules of Engagement (ROE) used by the onboard teams deployed by PVI.

"We have based it loosely on the [Royal Navy] model, [and it] has then gone through our company lawyers. It does get adjusted slightly to certain flag states…[and] it is commercialised [and adjusted] for different flags. So there is no one glove that fits all….. the flag state approve our actions. At the same time we work with our TLs [Team Leaders]. We send a copy [of the ROE] to the Coalition [Forces] as well. I think the key thing is… and we have demonstrated this on the ground, is that using lethal force is [used] when all else is lost… and there is no way that you can stop this happening to endanger your life. It is down to the individual to make that decision." He added: "if someone is pointing an AK47 at one of our guys and he thinks he is going to be shot dead, the right of self defence still remain. Whatever [the] scenario, it all boils down to the inherent right to defend yourself…"

I asked what legal support they have

"We have to use our company lawyers at every stage…….we are on the radar of a lot of people ….. and it's important that we do things right. To offer it [armed protection] illegally down there is getting harder."