Somali pirates captured Cambodian ship off port Berbera

29.01.2010 Source: RIA Novosti, photo from telstarlogistics.typepad.com

Somali pirates hijacked Cambodian cargo vessel Layla-S on Thursday, reports Reuters referring to Andrew Mwangura, director of Kenya-based East African Seafarers' Assistance Programme.

According to him, the capture occurred off the port of Berbera, located north Somalia and controlled by unrecognized state Somaliland.

Crew of the unfortunate ship consists of Pakistani, Indians, Ceylonese, Syrians and Somalis. As far as we know, the vessel was hijacked after discharging, Mwangura said.

No information about number of crewmen reported.

According to International Maritime Bureau, in 2009 Somali pirates carried out 217 attacks; 47 vessels were hijacked and 867 crewmembers were taken hostage. Presently, pirates hold captive 12 ships with 263 crewmen from various countries.

Somalia can't find the answer to the problem of piracy since this country ceased to exist as united state in 1991 with falling of Siad Barre dictatorship lasted since late 60-ies. Currently, international community recognizes Federal Government of Somalia as the only lawful authority in the country; however, the named government controls only a part of capital city, Mogadishu.

The rest parts of Somalia are either under control of unrecognized state formations or self-governed territories which leaders have different and sometimes even contrary views on integration under reign of Mogadishu.