<br/> The French navy has captured 35 piracy suspects off Somalia's coast, the most successful mission since European Union operations began. French officials said four mother ships and six smaller boats had been seized in four operations since last Friday.<br/> France's defence ministry said EU forces used helicopters and fired warning shots to capture the pirates. The ministry said the Frigate Nivose was backed by an Italian vessel and Spanish aircraft during its three-day mission. It did not specify where the action took place, but said 22 suspected pirates were held on Friday, two on Saturday and 11 more on Sunday.<br/> The EU launched its anti-piracy mission in December 2008, and focused on the Gulf of Aden, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes which was being ravaged by pirates.