The European Union's naval force off the Somali coastline has carried out its first airstrikes against pirate targets on shore.

Maritime aircraft and attack helicopters took part in the attacks early today along the coastline, a spokesman said.

No casualties were reported in the raid, which occurred along Somalia's central coastline in the region of Galmudug.

The action was part of a comprehensive approach to combating piracy, said Michael Mann, spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.

The EU is the main donor to the Somali transitional government. It also trains Somali army troops and is reinforcing the navies of five neighbouring countries to enable them to counter piracy themselves.

Last month, the EU allowed its ships to attack pirate targets on the shore.