Killing of Somali pirates 'ordered by Obama'
Rescue mission to free US captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates was ordered by president Barack Obama
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Monday, 13, Apr 2009 08:21
It has emerged the dramatic rescue mission to free US captain Richard Phillips was ordered by president Barack Obama.
Three Somali pirates were killed in the operation after the US navy opened fired on the lifeboat carrying Cpt Phillips and his captors.
The US captain was unharmed in the incident and is now said to be recovering on a US warship in the region.
Mr Obama praised Cpt Phillips, saying he was a "model for all Americans".
A statement from the US president declared: "His safety has been our principal concern, and I know this is a welcome relief to his family and his crew. We remain resolved to halt the rise of piracy in this region."
US officials claim Mr Obama had given standing orders for the military to take "decisive action" if Cpt Phillips was placed in "imminent danger".
Mr Phillips, the captain of the Maersk Alabama cargo ship, was seized by Somali pirates on Wednesday, between Kenya and the Seychelles, after volunteering to get into the pirates' lifeboat in exchange for the safety of his crew.