Thursday, May 6, 2010

Russian Forces Storm Oil Tanker, Arrest Somali Pirates

Via Times Online UK -

Russian commandos dramatically rescued the crew of an oil tanker today that had been seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

Special forces marines stormed the Liberian-registered Moscow University and freed all 23 Russian crew members unharmed. One pirate was reported killed and ten others were arrested after a firefight during the dawn helicopter raid on the vessel, which is carrying 86,000 tonnes of oil worth $52 million (£34 million).

“During reconnaissance preceding the assault operation, the Russian sailors simultaneously used helicopters and speedboats while special forces covertly approached the tanker,” an unidentified Russian navy official told the Ria-Novosti news agency.

“The pirates on board the Moscow University tanker opened fire using small arms. One of them was shot during return fire.”

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