Sunday, November 23, 2008
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THE hijacked VLCC Sirius Star is has reportedly sailed from its anchorage off the Somali port of Harardhere. This follows threats by Islamist militias to use force to free the Saudi Arabian owned, Liberian-flag vessel.
Two groups, Al-Shabaab and the Islamic Courts Union, have separately they will attack the pirates if the ship is not freed. Local Islamist militia leader Abdulaahi Osman is quoted as saying: “Saudi is a Muslim country and it is very big crime to hold Muslim property. I warned again and again those who hold the ship must free it unconditionally or armed conflict should be the solution. If they don’t free the ship, we will rescue it by force.”
Meanwhile the Greek-owned products tanker Genius has been freed and its 19-strong crew reported safe.