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Pirates release ship for 'ransom' Pirates release ship for 'ransom'
(about 2 hours later)
Somali pirates have released a Togo-flagged cargo ship seized last week, reportedly after a ransom was paid. Somali pirates have released a Togo-flagged cargo ship seized last week, reportedly after a $100,000 (£68,000) ransom was paid.
The 5,000-tonne Lebanese-owned MV Sea Horse was taken by gunmen in up to four skiffs on 14 April east of Mogadishu.The 5,000-tonne Lebanese-owned MV Sea Horse was taken by gunmen in up to four skiffs on 14 April east of Mogadishu.
A pirate source told Reuters news agency that they had received a ransom of $100,000 (£68,000). The ship had been heading to Mumbia, India, to pick up food aid for Somalia.
But 19 foreign vessels and more than 300 sailors remain in the hands of Somali pirates, who have stepped up attacks on shipping in recent weeks. Nineteen foreign vessels and more than 300 sailors remain in the hands of Somali pirates, who have stepped up attacks on shipping in recent weeks.
"Somali traders were involved in the release of this ship. They mediated and paid some money. I think it was not more than $100,000," a source told Reuters by telephone. About three million people - half the Somalia population - need assistance, donors say.
"Somali traders were involved in the release of this ship. They mediated and paid some money. I think it was not more than $100,000," a source told Reuters news agency by telephone.
Islam says if you become a pirate you should definitely be killed because you are killing the people Abdurrahman Haji AdamDeputy prime minister Somali piracy: Global overview Islam says if you become a pirate you should definitely be killed because you are killing the people Abdurrahman Haji AdamDeputy prime minister Somali piracy: Global overview
The World Food Programme said the cargo ship had been released on Friday.The World Food Programme said the cargo ship had been released on Friday.
The UN said the Sea Horse had been heading to Mumbai, India, to pick up 7,300 tonnes of food aid for Somalia. About three million people - half the Somalia population - need assistance, donors say.
At the weekend, Nato foiled two pirate attacks - the latest in a string of successful Western military operations against the gangs.At the weekend, Nato foiled two pirate attacks - the latest in a string of successful Western military operations against the gangs.
Cat and mouseCat and mouse
Warships and helicopters prevented an attempt by raiders to board a Norwegian tanker after a seven-hour overnight pursuit in the Gulf of Aden on Sunday.Warships and helicopters prevented an attempt by raiders to board a Norwegian tanker after a seven-hour overnight pursuit in the Gulf of Aden on Sunday.
Somali pirates seized their first Belgian ship at the weekendSomali pirates seized their first Belgian ship at the weekend
And the day before, Dutch commandos freed 20 pirate hostages from Yemen.And the day before, Dutch commandos freed 20 pirate hostages from Yemen.
But sea brigands also managed to seize a Belgian ship - the MV Pompei - on Saturday and were steering it towards the Somali coast.But sea brigands also managed to seize a Belgian ship - the MV Pompei - on Saturday and were steering it towards the Somali coast.
The first Belgian ship to be seized by Somali pirates, its crew include a Dutch captain, two Belgians, three Filipinos and four Croatians.The first Belgian ship to be seized by Somali pirates, its crew include a Dutch captain, two Belgians, three Filipinos and four Croatians.
On Sunday, the Somali government said captured pirates could face the death penalty.On Sunday, the Somali government said captured pirates could face the death penalty.
"Becoming a pirate is a crime, and Islam says if you become a pirate you should definitely be killed because you are killing the people," said Somalia's deputy prime minister, Abdurrahman Haji Adam, reported AP news agency. "We will announce it immediately.""Becoming a pirate is a crime, and Islam says if you become a pirate you should definitely be killed because you are killing the people," said Somalia's deputy prime minister, Abdurrahman Haji Adam, reported AP news agency. "We will announce it immediately."
However, the internationally recognised government only controls a small part of the capital and little other territory.However, the internationally recognised government only controls a small part of the capital and little other territory.
About a dozen ships have been hijacked since the start of April, despite the presence of around 20 foreign naval vessels in the area.About a dozen ships have been hijacked since the start of April, despite the presence of around 20 foreign naval vessels in the area.
Shipping companies last year handed over about $80m (£54m) in ransom payments to the gangs.Shipping companies last year handed over about $80m (£54m) in ransom payments to the gangs.
The Horn of Africa nation has been without an effective government since 1991, fuelling the lawlessness which has allowed piracy to thrive.The Horn of Africa nation has been without an effective government since 1991, fuelling the lawlessness which has allowed piracy to thrive.
In the maritime game of cat and mouse, international naval patrols struggle to cover the vast areas of ocean where the gangs operate.In the maritime game of cat and mouse, international naval patrols struggle to cover the vast areas of ocean where the gangs operate.