Indian dhow Al Kausar freed
(B2) The entire crew of the Al Kausar, an Indian dhow captured off the island of Socotra on April 1, is now free. The Indian Ministry of Defense confirmed this in a statement issued on April 14. The conditions of the release seem however vague, the Somali and Indian versions seeming to contradict each other, in particular on the stakes of the negotiation and the intervention of the Somali security forces.
Negotiation (and ransom)...
According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, negotiations began between the owner and the pirates for the safe release of the ship, its cargo and its crew. Based on the results of the negotiations, the dhow with its cargo and two crew members were released on April 11 and the remaining eight crew members were released on April 12. A process that seems to confirm, implicitly, an agreement with the pirates and the payment of a certain amount of money.
... or release by force
On the Somali side, the focus is more on the action of local forces. Local authorities managed to regain control of the ship and free two crew members in an operation by Somali security forces in the port of Hobyo on Monday. But the pirates had managed to escape and reach the coast, taking eight other sailors to a village called Qararrow. " The eight hostages were freed without a fight. Security forces besieged the pirates, who tried to flee, but three of them were captured said Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed, deputy commander of the Galmudug Region Coast Guard. "The rescue operation was a complete success, the hostages are safe and healthy."
Assistance more than a recovery of strength
Version that is slightly tempered by the Indians who recognize the role of local forces but rather in a framework of general security and location of pirates rather than a recovery of force. " Somali security forces provided support and assistance during this operation, with armed guards positioned at the port of Hobyo while others undertook search operations to locate the crew ashore. »
Escorted in international waters by an Indian ship
The dhow was handed over to Indian authorities by the Mayor of Hobyo at around 16 p.m. on April 13 and escorted by an Indian Navy ship through international waters to its next destination. The military carried out, beforehand, a medical check for all the members of the crew and brought the necessary elements and supplies for the return trip.
(NGV)