Pirates of Somalia
Matthew Caston
Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: News
There has been an alarming outbreak of pirate attacks along the east coast of the African nation of Somalia. The most recent attack happened Thursday, September 25 and has resulted in a "galvanized" effort of the world's leading nations according to the Washington Post.
A Ukrainian vessel carrying a number of 7-72 tanks and other weaponry and ammunition was captured by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, a region between Somalia and Yemen. Along with its cargo, the captured vessel also holds a crew of 21 sailors hailing from the Ukraine, Russia, and other parts of Eastern Europe. The Somali pirates have demanded $20 million for the safe return of the crew, the vessel and its cargo.
The current situation and the 60 previous pirate attacks around Somalia this year alone have prompted the creation of a maritime security force against piracy. Consisting of a number of nations, including the United States and Russia, this security force is well-overdue.
The US is the leading force in the blockade against the pirates and has deployed an unspecified number of warships and aircraft to aid in the efforts. Russian navy spokesman Igor Dygalo hopes that there can be a peaceful end to the situation. The Somali Ambassador to Russia, Mohammed Mahmud Handule has given Russia authorization to "fight the pirates in the sea and on the coast" of Somalia. He also added that Somalia has not been satisfied with the actions of other nations.
A Ukrainian vessel carrying a number of 7-72 tanks and other weaponry and ammunition was captured by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, a region between Somalia and Yemen. Along with its cargo, the captured vessel also holds a crew of 21 sailors hailing from the Ukraine, Russia, and other parts of Eastern Europe. The Somali pirates have demanded $20 million for the safe return of the crew, the vessel and its cargo.
The current situation and the 60 previous pirate attacks around Somalia this year alone have prompted the creation of a maritime security force against piracy. Consisting of a number of nations, including the United States and Russia, this security force is well-overdue.
The US is the leading force in the blockade against the pirates and has deployed an unspecified number of warships and aircraft to aid in the efforts. Russian navy spokesman Igor Dygalo hopes that there can be a peaceful end to the situation. The Somali Ambassador to Russia, Mohammed Mahmud Handule has given Russia authorization to "fight the pirates in the sea and on the coast" of Somalia. He also added that Somalia has not been satisfied with the actions of other nations.
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