Somali Pirates Captured by French

CHAN:
A victory French naval forces in pirate-ridden Somali yesterday. Officials released nine pirates and destroyed their boat before handing them over to officials.

STORY:
Somali gunmen are holding a dozen ships for ransom at Eyl, a lawless former fishing outpost now used by gangs.

The hijackings have become commonplace, especially in Puntland. However, pirates often treat hostages well in the hope of hefty ransoms. Most captured ships bring ransoms of more than 10,000 U.S. dollars and in a few cases much more.

Somali regional officials say the hefty ransoms paid out by ship owners are fuelling corruption and an explosion of piracy offshore that they are unable to contain.

On Thursday officials thanked the French navy for coming to their aid and capturing pirates who were ready to attack ships.

[Abdullahi Said Samatar, Puntland Security Minister]:
"On behalf of the Puntland government, I have to express our thankful to the government of France, especially the military guards and military warship which seized and arrested nine sea pirates."

In April, French commandos launched a helicopter raid to arrest six Somali pirates after they freed the 30-strong crew of a luxury yacht they had hijacked days earlier.

Attacks at sea have boomed as lawlessness has increased in Somalia. Thats because there hasnt been a working government since warlords overthrew the dictator in 1991.

Pirates have attacked scores of vessels this year, reaping millions in ransoms and pushing up insurance costs for boats traveling near the lawless country.

Category:

News & Politics

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