A Russian naval destroyer seized 29 suspected pirates off the coast of Somalia, Russian news agencies have reported, quoting defence ministry officials. Guns and satellite navigation equipment were found during a search on their boat.
A United Nations donors conference in Brussels to help Somalia boost internal security met its target, with $250 million pledged in aid. Restoring stability in the war-torn state is key to helping end pirate attacks off its coast.
Dutch commandos have freed 20 hostages who had been forced to sail a pirate "mother ship" that was targeting commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden, NATO officials said. Meanwhile, pirates seized a Belgian ship and its
10-member crew.
Not a day goes by without the mention of Somali pirates and their growing insurgency in the Gulf of Aden. The Obama administration's plan is to freeze the pirates' assets, but first officials need to find out who and where they are.
Maritime piracy makes a comeback as the number of attacks on foreign vessels in the Gulf of Aden increases: a French skipper is killed in one rescue mission. Addressing another subject, French lawmakers reject an Internet anti-piracy bill.
The pirates who infest the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean come from a variety of backgrounds but all have elements in common: the same equipment, the same modes of attack, and a common set of rules.
One hostage was killed during a French Army operation to rescue five civilians held by Somali pirates aboard their yacht, according to a statement from the French president's office. The other four crew aboard the Tanit have been freed.
Negotiators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and a US destroyer have been sent to confront Somali pirates holding an American naval captain hostage. The pirates hijacked the Maersk ship on Wednesday and were later overpowered by crew.
Japan ordered two warships to join an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden, following the example set by the US, European and Chinese efforts. The Japanese military may be permitted to reassess their anti-force policies.
