Pirates warn off military attack
Somali pirates warn of "disastrous consequences" if a military attack is ordered on hijacked oil tanker
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Saturday, 22, Nov 2008 11:48
The Somali pirates who are holding 25 people hostage on board a hijacked oil tanker have warned there could be "disastrous consequences" if a military attack is ordered.
The Sirius Star tanker, which is estimated to be carrying $100 million of crude oil on board, is currently under the control of the pirate group and anchored off the coast of Haradhere, 300 kilometres north of the lawless capital Mogadishu.
And Abdiyare Moalim, a member of the group, warned against any assault on the vessel, claiming they were holding out for a ransom of $25 million.
"I hope the owner of the tanker is wise enough and won't allow any military option because that would be disastrous for everybody," he told the AFP news agency.
"We are here to defend the tanker if attacked."
Local reports suggest the group has recently been reinforced with around ten additional individuals, who were heavily armed and carrying supplies.
The stand-off between the pirates, the Somalian government and the ship's owners, Vela International Marine, has now lasted for seven days with the hijackers demanding a ransom be paid by the middle of next week.