Ministry of Maritime Transport, Ports and Counter-Piracy
Puntland State of Somalia
Garowe
PRESS RELEASE
08 January 2012
Somalia: Puntland Gov Calls For a New Approach After NATO Releases 9 Pirates
A group of Somali pirates hijacked a trading dhow on 2 January 2012 moments after the dhow left the Port of Bossaso in Puntland State of Somalia.
The dhow, Al-Safina Al-Salam, was transporting 3,620 heads of livestock to Salalah Port in the Sultanate of Oman, when it was hijacked by Somali pirates some 60 nautical miles from the Port of Bossaso.
Puntland government officials contacted NATO and shared information to coordinate the release of the hijacked dhow and to ensure the safety of 20-persons on board (16-crewpersons and 4-passengers). NATO contacted Omani Coast Guard, Omani Royal Navy HQ and all the international task forces operating off the coast of Somalia.
On 5 January 2012, the pirates became aware of the activities of international warships. The pirates moved over to another dhow (Al Qashmi) heading to the Port of Bossaso, where the pirates were surrounded and captured by U.S. Navy under NATO command,. Puntland officials requested that the captured pirates, which included a pirate leader named ‘Mursal’ who is suspected for the kidnapping of a Danish family in February 2011, be transferred over to Puntland authorities.
The Puntland Government’s Ministry of Maritime Transport, Ports and Counter-Piracy welcomes the constant and close cooperation and coordination with NATO and other international forces, in a collective effort to tackle the piracy problem in Somalia.
However, it is unfortunate to learn that pirates were released by NATO commander without the pirates facing justice. This action emphasizes the need to support security and judicial institutions in Puntland State.
The Ministry appeals to international forces operating along the coast of Somalia to apply additional pressure on pirates who are currently holding hostage a number of hijacked vessels and crew persons along the coast of Somalia.
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Ministry of Maritime Transport, Ports and Counter-Piracy
Government of Puntland, Somalia
E-mail: ministry.mtpcp@gmail.com
Web: www.puntland-gov.net
