Tensions are continuing to run high between Ukrainian forces and Somali Pirates that overtook a cargo ship in late September. The have kept the hostages on the ship captive and refuse to release them. They have also stated the kidnapped individuals would be instantly executed if the NATO forces attempts any rescue missions. The crew Spokesman has openly mocked the poor efforts made in an attempt to save those on the ship. The Pirates initially demanded a 20 million dollar pay off and have only received one million so far. One concern that remains is the amount of food and water on board for the crew. The Pirates have previously stated that they would not leave the captives without food if there was any remaining. Although no action has yet taken place, United States ships surround the ship. An alarming issue concerning this hostage situation is the placement of cruise ship weapons to al Qaeda links. Somalia’s piracy rate from their coast has grown into 75 percent just this year. Furthermore, the Somali waters have become so dangerous that is accounts for one third of the world’s entire piracy activities. This is not the only known ship that hosts a danger for many people. Other mother ships are taking part in overpowering ships and using them to their advantage. The Horn of Africa region where this is taking place has no central government, making these matters much worse. They were originally a socialist organization until 1991 when the country overthrew their dictator.
LINK: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/10/23/Somalia.piracy.ap/index.html
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