Guards kill Somali pirate in cargo ship attack

Mogadishu, 24 March-(ANA)-Private security guards shot and killed a Somali pirate when the cargo ship they were protecting came under attack today, signalling the start of a new lethal phase in the fight against piracy.

It is the first time armed guards are known to have used lethal force against pirates who have increased their attacks despite the presence of international warships in the seas off the coast of Somalia.

The Panama flagged MV Almezaan was 60 miles south of the pirate port of Haradheere en route to Mogadishu when it was attacked twice by a gang of at least seven pirates in a pair of fast-moving skiffs.

The Almezaan was hijacked twice last year while making the same journey. This time a small team of private security guards fired shots to repel the first attack but when the gang came in for a second approach the guards aimed to kill. One pirate was hit numerous times with small arms fire and the attacking skiffs were riddled with bullets.(ANA)

FA/ANA/24 March 2010------