ESAT News (April 12, 2017)

Somali security forces have freed 8 Indian crew, held hostage by pirates since March 31, following an operation near the coastal city of Hobyo on Wednesday, according to a report by Shabelle news.

An official said the Indian sailors were rescued after Galmudug regional forces attacked their pirate captors in Adalle, a small village located in the outskirts of the port town of Hobyo.

According to the security official, the hostages were taken to land after a clash on Monday between Somali forces and pirates over the Indian ship M.S.V. Al Kausar, the report said.

The official spoke to Radio Shabelle via phone on condition of anonymity because he was authorized to speak to the media on the matter.

The pirates took the eight hostages, leaving behind two other crew members after they were attacked by Somali forces who rescued the Indian Cargo ship that was hijacked on March 31.