| Description |
Pirates holding a Singaporean tanker in Hobyo area reportedly released the vessel after payment of a 4.5MUSD ransom on 30/11. Most of the crew was also released but the pirates kept with them four sailors from South Korea who were transferred to shore and reported to be moved to the Dabagalo area in Xarar-Dhere District. The pirates most probably intend to use the four sailors to negotiate financial compensations or the release of colleagues from the South Korean government that had launched a successful raid against pirates in January 2011, killing eight and capturing five. Around 60 pirates of the group that was holding the Singaporean vessel, mostly from the Ayr clan, are reported to have reached Mareer Guur on the main road between Cadaado and Dhusamareb on 01/12. The pirates are well-armed and spending their ransom money. A large number of people from surrounding areas are reported coming to Mareer Guur to receive money from the pirates. As of 01/12 ASWJ authorities had not reacted to the presence of these pirates in their area of control. |
