Private guards kill pirate, Navarra intervenes

(B2) The Spanish frigate Navarra (part of the European anti-piracy force EUNAVFOR Atalanta) intercepted a whaler (mother ship) and two skiffs off Somalia.

Very strong suspicions. These boats are strongly suspected of having taken part in the attack on the MV Almezaan. This freighter from the United Arab Emirates, flying the Panamanian flag, which was going to Mogadishu, had been attacked this morning, not far from the Somali coast of Harardere (about 60 miles according to Atalanta HQ). He had been able to escape, in particular thanks to the response of the private guards on board who had opened fire on the attacker, and had launched a distress call.

A dead person. In the suspect boats, the soldiers found " a corpse which bore traces of small arms, as well as weapons and ammunition of various calibers. The skiffs were marked with numerous bullet and shell impacts according to a Spanish officer. The 6 other people alive, suspected pirates, were apprehended and brought back on board the frigate. " They are awaiting identification by the personnel of the attacked merchant vessel. who was asked to stay nearby.

6 arrests. The 6 suspects could, if necessary, be handed over to Kenya or the Seychelles, two countries which have signed agreements with the EU, it is estimated in Madrid (the second hypothesis is very unlikely in my opinion). In the meantime, the whaler was sunk. And the Somali authorities have been contacted to take charge of the suspect's body (which is also repatriated on the frigate).

Investigation . An investigation is underway to determine the facts and responsibilities. According to international law, private forces have no "right" as such to intervene against pirates and therefore obey the classic criminal rules (legitimate defense to be proven). This is the whole problem of private guards on board merchant ships...