Somalia Pirates Free Hijacked Jordanian Vessel

Somali pirates have released a Jordanian vessel, ferrying 4,200 tonnes of sugar, that was hijacked a week ago off the beleaguered Somali capital, a shipping local agent told APA on Friday.

According to the agent Mohamed Ahmed Roble popularly known as Skiekh Saney, “the vessel was released after long discussions between the pirates, elders, and businessmen. We were able to get it released without any ransom paid.”

“Now the ship is sailing towards its destination, the Mogadishu seaport, and it will offload its cargo,” he added.

The ship, Victoria, was heading from Bombay to the Somali capital carrying 4,200 tonnes.

It was the second time the Victoria was attacked. Last year, pirates tried to board it outside the Somali port of Merka but luckily the ship escaped.

Faced with more than a decade of brutality and mayhem, Somalia does not have its own navy forces.

Its fortified forces are poorly paid and a transitional government formed in 2004 with U.N help has struggled to affirm control against Islamist insurgents.

Somalia had been plunged in anarchy after the overthrow of President Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991 by warlords through their clan based militias.

Source African Press Agency

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