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French Ship Grabs 11 Pirates Off of Somalia

Navy intercepted two assault vessels and a 'mothership' today

By the Associated Press

Posted May 3, 2009 10:48 AM CDT

(AP) – A French naval vessel has intercepted 11 armed pirates off the coast of Somalia, according to a Defense Ministry spokesman, who says the pirates were traveling in two assault vessels and a so-called "mothership" loaded with provisions, Kalashnikovs, rockets, and rocket launchers. He says all 11 are Somali nationals.

The pirates were nabbed about 560 miles off the coast of Somalia early this morning, the spokesman told France-Info radio. He added that it was the ship's third successful pirate-grab in recent weeks; France-Info reported 24 pirates were detained in those operations.

Nivose, a French frigate serving in the international fleet trying to protect shipping in the Gulf of Aden, detained 11 pirates on April 22, 2009. Today's operation has caught 11 more.
Nivose, a French frigate serving in the international fleet trying to protect shipping in the Gulf of Aden, detained 11 pirates on April 22, 2009. Today's operation has caught 11 more.   (AP Photo/Sayyid Azim)
Crew members work on the desk of the French navy frigate Nivose as the Maersk Alabama leaves the port of Mombasa, Kenya, Wednesday, April 22, 2009. The French navy is active in the area.
Crew members work on the desk of the French navy frigate Nivose as the Maersk Alabama leaves the port of Mombasa, Kenya, Wednesday, April 22, 2009. The French navy is active in the area.   (AP Photo/Sayyid Azim)
A French Commando, left, escorts a suspected Somali man from the frigate Nivose, after the French navy detained several pirates two weeks ago. Fresh reports indicate a capture of more pirates today.
A French Commando, left, escorts a suspected Somali man from the frigate Nivose, after the French navy detained several pirates two weeks ago. Fresh reports indicate a capture of more pirates today.   (AP Photo/Sayyid Azim)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
selva
May 4, 2009 4:59 AM CDT
If they werent involved in any kidnappings or hijackings during their capture they should be freed.
justme
May 3, 2009 11:02 AM CDT
Now let us hope that the French treat them like Pirates and not release them.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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