According to military reports, the US Navy detained six suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden on Saturday off the coast of Djibouti.
The suspected pirates had opened fired on the USS Ashland. The U. S. Navy ship was on a usual patrol in the Gulf of Aden. After coming under fire, the navy ship fired back at the skiff. As a result of the fire, the skiff caught fire.
Six people aboard the ship had to abandon the ship owing to the fire.
The Ashland then sent rigid-hull inflatable boats to assist to the six suspected pirates, who were in the water near the skiff. The alleged pirates were brought on board the Ashland. They were given medical treatment for injuries they had sustained.
This has been the third confrontation to take place between U. S. Navy and pirates in a period of 10 days and the second incident, where U. S. Navy ship came under fire.
It has been reported that a total of 21 suspected pirates have been taken into custody. No injuries to the Ashland crew have been reported. USS Ashland also remains damage free.
Confrontration Between U.S Navy and Somali Pirates
Published: April 11, 2010
