Mons, Belgium - Three NATO warships have reached the coast of Somalia and are ready to defend United Nations vessels from possible attacks by pirates, the alliance confirmed Friday.

Italy's ITS Durand de la Penne, Greece's HS Themistokles and Britain's HMS Cumberland were to begin escorting World Food Programme (WFP) vessels carrying food aid to Africa.

"NATO's ability to quickly react to the UN's request for support demonstrates NATO's military flexibility to respond to real security challenges on the seas as well as on the land, and in the air," Supreme Allied Commander Europe General John Craddock said.

Friday's statement from NATO confirmed a statement issued by the UN earlier this week.

Two German, one Turkish and one US ship are also taking part in the NATO operation. (dpa)