Puntland Pirates Trying To Expand To Somaliland

[Adan_1]

Las-Qoray, Somaliland, April 18, 2009 (SL Times) – Reports reaching us from eastern Somaliland indicate that Puntland pirates are trying to establish a base in Sanag region.
The pirates are currently holding a ship hostage about 10 km east of Las Qoray, Sanag. The ship was captured a week ago.
Somaliland’s police forces have been in high alert and have so far prevented the pirates from bringing the hostages ashore.
"Our ambassador in Somalia has confirmed the boats were captured off the coast of Somaliland," Ahmad Rizk, deputy foreign minister for consular affairs, told reporters on Monday.
Rizk was unable to say when the boats, with a combined crew of between 18 and 24 sailors, were captured, but said that the Egyptian foreign ministry was investigating the incident.
Rizk earlier told state television that Egypt's ambassador in Somalia said it was the first time boats were seized off the coast of Somaliland, which is considered one of the safest coastlines in the region.
Somali pirates have increased attacks in recent days despite the presence of an international task force gathered to defend shipping in what is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

[nomadicwarlord]

Somaliland authorities should def let the Pirates establish a base there. This is a first step in gaining a diplomatic recognition. Wait a minute, Sanag is part of Puntland. Forget the recognition part, let the pirates in, there is money to be made.