Posted on 11/21/2008 6:07:21 PM PST by george76
Somali pirates built up their defences around a captured Saudi Arabian super-tanker Friday after demanding a 25 million dollar ransom.
As foreign navies sent warships to Somalia's dangerous waters and shipping companies sought alternative routes, extra clan militia and other fighters were brought in at the pirate lair of Harardhere...
"Some of them are inside the town and others are taking shelter in a nearby village and can be called if need be," ... He said the fighters had come from neighbouring Gulgudud and Mudug regions.
Local militia and hardline Shebab fighters also arrived in Harardhere in what some residents said was a move to position themselves for a share of any ransom paid.
The pirates on Thursday gave the owners 10 days to pay a 25 million dollar ransom, said a pirate who identified himself as Mohamed Said, threatening "disastrous" consequences if Vela International, shipping arm of the Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco, fail to comply.
He did not specify the threatened action but the 330-metre (1,000-foot) long tanker is carrying two million barrels of crude oil.
Environmental groups have warned of a huge catastrophe if oil from the super-tanker was released.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
I still do not understand why ships that sail that part of the world do not have like eight 50 cals shooting at suspect boats coming alongside. 50 cals are tough and when used, work!!!!
These fools are dollar dumb and penny wise.
Sounds like it’s awfully Harardthere.
They could convoy with protection near by, too.
Target density increasing.
Just drop some leaflets at the pirate ports saying any vessels or people on shore after a certain time will be considered hostile. Send a few destroyers to go to the pirate ports and sink their vessels in port. If a few fishing vessels get sunk by accident, too bad.
Then they'll need to hire ordinary seamen who know how to fire the .50 cals.
I’m still trying to figure out why ships don’t just avoid this stretch of coast. Sail further out to sea when passing this area … I would think the extra time and fuel would be worth it. But, what do I know? ;-)
If we nuke the ship there shouldn't be much oil left to contaminate anything.
International law forbids merchant vessels to be armed.
They were 400+ miles out but even then the small boats should be even more obvious targets. It’s like they saw boats and said I give up.
Well ok there ya go. I’m a fool and didnt realize and did not know.
Level the entire town and let their ‘allah’ sort it out.
So basically one cannot defend oneself when on open water? Isnt this current “pirate” situation an act of war? good lord whats wrong with us? are these NATO rules?
Their defenses are nothing when up against 8 Navy SEALs.
I read the entire article; I guess I missed the fact that they were +400 miles out to sea. ;-(
I doubt NATO rules, probably more like UN.
It is good that the pirates come together. It is better that they bunch up.
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