US Navy captures another 9 pirates

Capturing pirates is all fine and good, but it would be better if these pirates couldn't return to their trade. Xinhuanet

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. navy arrested 9 more suspected pirates in the waters of the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia on Thursday -- the second such capture in two days, the U.S. military announced.

The U.S. navy said in a written statement that U.S. warships on patrol in that area received a distress call from an Indian-flagged ship, which reported that it had been fired upon by a small skiff, and suspected pirates were attempting to board it.

A helicopter was then launched from the U.S. cruiser Vella Gulfand fired two warning shots at the skiff to force it to stop.

A navy boarding team investigated the skiff's crew and found rocket-propelled grenades and other weapons on board.

Nine suspected pirates were taken aboard Vella Gulf into custody.

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