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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Islamic Militants Vow to Take on Tanker Pirates

Promise to protect 'Muslim property'

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(Newser) – Islamic militants have vowed to liberate a Saudi oil tanker seized a week ago by pirates off the Somali coast, reports CNN. Five armored vehicles arrived in the nearby Somali town of Harardhere filled with al-Shebab fighters, who told residents they would battle the pirates because the tanker, carrying $100 million in crude oil, is owned by a Muslim country, said a witness. "If the pirates want peace, they had better release the tanker," warned a spokesman for the militants.

Some residents speculated that the militants, battling for control of Somalia, merely want a share of the $25 million ransom. The pirates were apparently unfazed by the threat. "We are the Shebab of the sea and can't be scared by the Shebab of the land," a pirate spokesman told Agence France Presse. "If anybody attempts to attack, that would be suicide."

The oil tanker MV Sirius Star was highjacked by pirates last week in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Somalia. The tanker is loaded with $100 million in crude oil.
The oil tanker MV Sirius Star was highjacked by pirates last week in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Somalia. The tanker is loaded with $100 million in crude oil.   (AP Photo/U.S. Navy, Petty Officer 2nd Class William S. Stevens)
A member of the Somali Islamic militia of al-Shabab runs through his paces at a military training camp outside Mogadishu. The fighters have vowed to fight pirates for a Saudi oil tanker.
A member of the Somali Islamic militia of al-Shabab runs through his paces at a military training camp outside Mogadishu. The fighters have vowed to fight pirates for a Saudi oil tanker.   (AP Photo, File)
Members of a Somalia militia of the radical Islamic group Al-Shabab go through exercises at a training camp outside Mogadishu.
Members of a Somalia militia of the radical Islamic group Al-Shabab go through exercises at a training camp outside Mogadishu.   (AP Photo, File)
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2 comments
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Mr.C
Nov 23, 08 11:44 AM CST
"carrying $100 worth of crude oil," Reply
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petepenguin
Nov 23, 08 9:02 PM CST
LOL Good editing,don't ya know?
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