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Somali pirates in 'deadly clashes over ransom' | Somali pirates in 'deadly clashes over ransom' |
(about 3 hours later) | |
At least five people have died in Somalia in clashes between pirates fighting over a ransom paid for a recently released hostage, sources have told the BBC. | At least five people have died in Somalia in clashes between pirates fighting over a ransom paid for a recently released hostage, sources have told the BBC. |
The gunfight broke out in the central town of Galkayo on Thursday afternoon. | The gunfight broke out in the central town of Galkayo on Thursday afternoon. |
Journalist Michael Scott Moore, who has dual US and German citizenship, was freed on Tuesday after nearly three years in captivity. | Journalist Michael Scott Moore, who has dual US and German citizenship, was freed on Tuesday after nearly three years in captivity. |
But there has been no confirmation that a ransom was paid for his release. | |
It is not clear exactly who was holding him. | |
He was kidnapped in January 2012 while researching a book on piracy. | He was kidnapped in January 2012 while researching a book on piracy. |
The clashes began after a long argument about how the ransom should be divided, several sources in Galkayo said. | |
Four men and a woman were killed, they said. | Four men and a woman were killed, they said. |
Police official Mohamed Hassan told the Associated Press agency that a top pirate commander was among those who died. | Police official Mohamed Hassan told the Associated Press agency that a top pirate commander was among those who died. |
He also said that a ransom had been paid. | |
Various armed groups have been battling for control of Somalia since the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991 - a situation that has allowed pirates to flourish. | Various armed groups have been battling for control of Somalia since the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991 - a situation that has allowed pirates to flourish. |
Regional centres like Galkayo in Somalia's north-eastern region of Puntland have benefited from investment funded by piracy. | Regional centres like Galkayo in Somalia's north-eastern region of Puntland have benefited from investment funded by piracy. |
But incidents of piracy off Somalia's coast have dropped recently - with armed guards on ships and international navy patrols cited as some of the reasons by maritime experts. | But incidents of piracy off Somalia's coast have dropped recently - with armed guards on ships and international navy patrols cited as some of the reasons by maritime experts. |
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