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Russia approved to use force against Somali pirates
Excessive force in the apprehension of the NAIROBI (Reuters) - Somali authorities have given Russia's navy the go-ahead to use force against pirates holding a Ukrainian ship hijacked with 33 tanks on board, a maritime official said on Wednesday. Russia has sent a warship, but it has yet to arrive off lawless Somalia, where gunmen demanding $20 million seized the MV Faina last week. U.S. naval ships are watching the vessel, hijacked near one of the world's busiest shipping routes. "The Somali government has given permission to the Russian navy to enter Somali waters and use force," said Andrew Mwangura, an official of the Mombasa-based East African Seafarers Assistance Program. "On behalf of the seafarers' families, we are requesting them not to use force because it will put the men in danger." The crew of 20 are mostly Ukrainians, but include two Russians. Another Russian died of illness after the hijacking. Germany announced on Wednesday it would provide a frigate for an EU naval task force comprised of three frigates, a supply ship and three maritime surveillance ships to fight piracy off the African coast. Twice this year, French commandoes have stormed hijacked yachts, rescued captured French nationals and taken pirates away for prosecution. Posted by: tu3031 2008-10-01 |
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