GAROWE, Somalia Sep 18 (Garowe Online) - A mysterious gentleman who called Somalia-based Radio Garowe on Thursday claimed to be the spokesman for a self-titled group called the Somali Youth Coastguard.

Identifying himself only as Mr. Wadani (nationalist, in Somali), he read an eight-point press release that included a grave warning to the French government.

"We will give a clear answer to the French government's action," Mr. Wadani said, while referring to French commandos who killed one suspected pirate, arrested six others and freed two French citizens who were being held hostage off of Somalia's Puntland coast. [ Full story]

Mr. Wadani demanded that the French government "immediately release the Somali youth," referring to the six suspected pirates arrested during Tuesday's military operation.

He warned that any attempt at further military action "will harm the safety of the hostages" aboard some 10 ships currently being held for ransom near Somali waters.

Foreign governments and ship owners were warned to "reach an immediate decision within 48 hours" so the ships and hostages can be freed or the pirates "will take an unexpected step," Mr. Wadani said while reading the press statement.

Further, the statement said that the Somali Youth Coastguard "will not accept the dumping of toxic waste or the robbing of natural resources" along the Somali coast.

All foreign vessels caught in Somali territorial waters illegally "will be fined," Mr. Wadani warned.

He distanced the group from any religious or political movement in Somalia, while describing the group as "a popular uprising" against years of international neglect that allowed the dumping of toxic waste along the Somali coastline.

Source: Garowe Online