[04/July/2009]

TAIZ, July 04 (Saba) – Yemeni marine forces have foiled a pirate attack against two national oil tankers near the Bab el-Mandab strait.

Head of the Marine Forces and Coast Defense Uwais Abdullah Ali Mujawar said the forces saw two pirate boats approaching the two tankers, prompting a quick action by marines who intercepted the boats and clashed with pirates onboard.

Yemeni marines tried to hunt the pirates after the attempted attack but they could run away.

The forces resumed their duties combing the regional waters to foil pirate attempts which have recently soared.

Last month, a Yemeni oil tanker escaped a pirate attack off the Makha port in the Red Sea.

Somali pirates intercepted the tanker and tried to take over it, but the crew managed to flee the pirates.

Informed sources said that the pirates pursued the tanker, but it sent a distress call to the Coast Guards in the area who immediately offered help.

The tanker has arrived in the port safely.

In April, three Somali pirates were killed and 12 others seized after Yemeni marine forces rescued oil tankers which were attacked off the pirate-plagued Gulf of Aden.

Yemen has received a number of pirates who were arrested by international forces patrolling the Indian Ocean on anti-piracy mission. Some have gone on trials.

FR
Saba