Harardhere pirate base.
Harardhere (Harardera) Somali Galmudug region, Harardhere district. Non-aligned region of ex-Somalia failed state. Pirate town, Suleiman clan. Local militia checkpoint. Major point of re-supply and personnel resources for pirate ransom anchorage operations. Supply and trading point for the pirate town of Hobyo (Obbia). Pirates are well-connected in this town, and piracy is by far the dominant economic interest. Although Harardhere is not a port, it is located approximately 20km (12mi) from the ocean, within two-way radio range of hijacked ships anchored off the coast. A web of dirt track roads joins it with several coastal beach launching points for small pirate skiff boats. Harardhere is considered a Suleiman clan stronghold and former base for one of the most infamous pirates, Mohamed Abdi Hassan �Afweyne� (Big Mouth). Another leader of the Harardheere-based pirate groups is the warlord Garaad Mohamud Mohamed.
Location reports
An individual in Harardhere, interviewed by media via phone said that the pirates had "moved the ship 100km off shore". The movement of the vessel from its prior point closer to the shore, is in response to the threat of Islamist hostile action at Harardhere. The 100km report may be exagerated.
LISTEN to the boss pirate Daybad, aboard Sirius Star, being interviewed via satphone.
Speaking to VOA by satellite telephone aboard the hijacked supertanker, the pirate leader, who refuses to be identified, insisted the vessel is still anchored off the coast of El Gaan near the central Somali town of Haradhere.
VOA reports on satphone interview with the pirate leader aboard Sirius Star: "The pirate said his group has not taken the tanker from the area and they are not concerned about being attacked by the al-Shabab or by any other Islamist group. He declined to confirm reports that his group may reduce the $25 million dollar ransom demand for the release of the tanker and its 25-member crew. A resident in Haradhere, who wished to remain anonymous because of security concerns, told VOA the pirates took the ship and headed out to sea two days ago. That ship is very far from town now, the resident said. He added the pirates fled because they feared Islamist militias were preparing to mount an assault to free the ship."
Gaan (El Ghan or Ceel Gaan or Ceel Gan) Somali coast of Indian Ocean, Galmudug region, Harardhere district. Non-aligned region of ex-Somalia failed state. Abandoned settlement, now a beach launch point for small fishing boats and pirate re-supply skiffs. One of the points where Harardhere-based (Suleiman clan) pirates anchor ransom vessels offshore. Famous hijacked Spanish fishing vessel 'Playa de Bakio' was also anchored 5km offshore, after being hijacked on 20 April 2008.
Gaan airstrip, Somali Coast.
Runway: Length 5000FT (1520m) approximate, unverified.
30� / 210�
Beach sand strip.
Unknown condition.
Warning to air traffic: Pirate and hostile forces at this location!
El Gunier, Somali coast. Point or settlement (abandoned). Possible pirate boat launch location, although there are better launching points nearby at Gaan and Hinbarwaqo.
Harardhere Ghan Road. Pirate supply road.
Harardere coast road track. Harardere - Hinbarwaqo. Dirt track road frequented by pirates, between Harardere and the Hinbarwaqo small boat port on the Somali coast of Indian Ocean. Sandy, unknown condition. Prone to shifting sand.
