Factional Battle, Political Violence Hit Somalia Over Oil Tanker Hijacking

Mogadishu, Somalia (AHN) - Islamic militants in Somalia are angry at the seizure by pirates of the Saudi Arabian oil tanker Sirius Star, resulting in their attempted attack at the port of Haradheere where the hijacked vessel in moored and where majority of the pirates reside.

While threats are being made by Islamists in Haradheere, political violence occurred in the capital city of Mogadishu leading to the death of 17 people following an attack on the residence of a local government official.

Muslim outlook at the issue of piracy is divided. Some Islamists denounce the practice, while others may keep silent or turn a blind eye because of possible financial gains they will make if they receive a portion of ransom paid by companies of captives.

The pirate are demanding a $25 million ransom to be delivered within 10 days in exchange for the freedom of the international crew.

Some sectors, however, have expressed concern over the planned Islamist attack on the pirate lair since the group is notorious for blowing up the vessels they hijack when a rescue attempt is made. If that happens, aside from 25 potential lost lives, destruction of the vessel will pose a hazard to the environment with the potential release of tons of petroleum on the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, the UN gave India permission, based on a UN resolution, to run after the pirates on Somali's water. Upon receiving the UN green light, New Delhi immediately dispatched a warship to the Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy also plans to deploy the INS Mysore destroyer to the gulf early next week. source>>>

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