Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Islamic Militants Vow to Take on Tanker Pirates

Promise to protect 'Muslim property'

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 23, 2008 8:38 AM CST
Email

(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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Guest
Nov 23, 2008 9:02 PM CST
LOL Good editing,don't ya know?
Mr.C
Nov 22, 2008 11:44 PM CST
"carrying $100 worth of crude oil,"

Miltant chief threatens pirates
Associated Press

 
Somalia • oil • Saudi Arabia • piracy • crude oil • pirates • al-Shabaab

More Newser Stories

Iran to OPEC: Don't Grab Our Oil Sales

Ex-US Soldier Busted Trying to Join Somali Militants

Kenyan Bar Hit With Grenade Attack

Kenyan Troops Invade Somalia

Kids Who Won Somali Radio Contest Awarded ... AK-47s
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne