Navy shoots dead Somali pirates

Thursday, 13 November 2008 12:00 AM

Two Somali pirates have been killed in a gun battle with members of the Royal Navy, it has been revealed.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a statement confirming the incident, which occurred on two days ago in the Gulf of Aden.

HMS Cumberland, Britain's contribution to the international effort acting against the growing piracy problem in the region, was attempting to apprehend a dhow when the incident took place.

"Various non-forcible methods" were used to stop the dhow, including circling it with boats launched from HMS Cumberland.

When those on board opened fire the Royal Navy boats intercepted the dhow and a "firefight" ensued.

"Two foreign nationals, believed to be Somali pirates, were shot and killed in self defence," the MoD said.

"A Yemeni national was also found injured and later died, despite receiving emergency treatment from the ship's doctor."

The Yemeni-flagged dhow was believed to have been involved in an attack on the Danish-registered MV Powerful earlier that day.

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• africa
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• defence
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• foreign policy