9 Suspected Somali Pirates Arrested Off Mogadishu Coast

Nine suspected Somali pirates have been arrested 420 nautical miles east of the Mogadishu coastline, in a joint anti-piracy operation, a naval force said.
Romanian warship Regele Ferdinand, under the command of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) working with Turkish warship, Gemlik of Combined Task Force 151, apprehended the suspected pirates after an hour-long chase.
Rear- Adm.  Potts, the Operation Commander of EUNAVOR, said the operation was launched as part of efforts to keep the pirates away from the sea.
“This is an indication that pirates still intend to get out to sea and all those involved in countering piracy, whether they are the military or industry, must remain vigilant and prepared,’’ he said.
Gemlik sent a boarding team to search the suspect vessel, which had tried, unsuccessfully, to evade capture for over an hour.
The two counter-piracy forces took the suspects on board the Romanian frigate for further questioning and evidence collection to fully assess the possibility of prosecution.
“We knew, as the monsoon period ended, that pirates would try their luck at sea and this is why we have constantly warned against complacency.
“Once again, my message to the pirates is clear, we are watching you and we plan to capture you if you put to sea,’’ the Rear- Adm warned.
Swedish EUNAVFOR Maritime Patrol Aircraft located the suspicious skiff at sea 420 nautical miles east of Mogadishu.
The force said its counter piracy forces in the area were quickly alerted, and being the two closest warships, both Gemlik and Regele Ferdinand rushed to the area to investigate while the Luxembourg EUNAVFOR patrol aircraft maintained air cover.
“After gathering intelligence, the skiff was destroyed, thus preventing the suspect pirates from using it to attack ships in the future,’’ the force said in a statement.