SOMALIA:US WARSHIPS yesterday surrounded a Ukrainian vessel loaded with 33 tanks and other weaponry that was captured by Somali pirates as controversy grew over the destination of the cargo.
Several vessels from the US fifth fleet, based in the Gulf, are now within sight of the MV Faina, which is anchored near Hobyo on Somalia's eastern coast. A Russian warship is also in the vicinity.
The pirates are demanding $20 million (€13.8 million) to release the Faina. But the speed of the international reaction demonstrates the concern that the military hardware, which includes rocket-propelled grenades and ammunition, could be used in the Islamist-led insurgency against Somalia's government forces and occupying Ethiopian troops.
Having set off from Ukraine, the Faina was destined for Mombasa, Kenya, when it was hijacked last Thursday. Its crew included 17 Ukrainians, three Russians and a Latvian. One of the Russians, who suffered from high blood pressure, is reported to have since died.
The Kenyan government has insisted the cargo was for its military forces and dismissed as "alarming propaganda" reports that it was headed for southern Sudan. One diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it was an "open secret" that weaponry arriving in Kenya from Ukraine has been forwarded to the autonomous southern Sudan.
Southern Sudan, which denies buying the tanks, emerged from civil war against the northern-dominated Khartoum regime in 2005.
- (Guardian service)