Somali pirates release oil tanker and crew after first hijack for five years

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As we reported, after a five-year absence, Somali pirates returned to the high seas on Monday, hijacking the Comorros-flagged Aris 13. Following a gunfight with marine forces from Puntland and negotiations between marines, pirates and clan elders, the ship and its eight Sri Lankan crewmembers were released yesterday, with no ransom being paid. The pirates said they forewent a ransom after learning that Somali businessmen had hired the ship to take oil from Djibouti to Mogadishu. According to The Guardian, pirates have ...