Topic: International Maritime Bureau

Daring special forces raid shows Somali pirates are on the run

The SEAL Team Six rescue of an American hostage shows US special forces are tightening the noose on increasingly desperate Somali pirate groups, military analysts say.

Piracy on the rise off West Africa's coast

West Africa has seen a sharp increase in the number of pirate attacks off its coast. The goal is not lucrative ransom payments, but fuel, which sells for a large sum on the black market.

Somali pirates capture oil tanker bound for US: Higher oil prices ahead?

Somali pirates took control of an oil tanker from Kuwait carrying $200 million worth of crude. It's the second oil-tanker hijacking by Somali pirates in two days.

Somali pirates lose battle to South Korean commandos, but who's winning war?

South Korean commandos rescued a 21-man crew from Somali pirates. The renegade gangs captured more hostages in 2010 than in any other year on record, and 22 incidents have already taken place in 2011.

Top 5 high-profile captures by Somali pirates

After 388 days as prisoners of Somali pirates, Paul and Rachel Chandler were released on Sunday. Read about the Chandlers' ordeal and other high-profile captures in this list.

Fewer attacks by Somali pirates, but their net widens

There were fewer attacks by Somali pirates in the first quarter of this year than during the same time last year, but their reach is extending far beyond the Gulf of Aden.

Suspected Somali pirates more active, but US Navy fighting back

End of monsoon season is bringing more aggressive activity by suspected Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean. But the US and other navies are hitting back, capturing pirates and sinking their boats.

Somali pirates release tanker after receiving $3.5 million ransom

After four month ordeal, a North Korean tanker was released from the hands of Somali pirates on Tuesday reportedly after receiving a $3.5 million ransom.

Singapore raises terror alert on Malacca Strait, one of the world's most important oil shipping lanes

Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore raised terror alert levels after a tip-off that terrorists are planning to attack vessels in the Malacca Strait. The threat hasn't prevented millions of barrels of oil from being shipped through the strait daily.

Somali pirates say they have British couple hostage

Somali pirates say they will soon issue a ransom to Rachel and Paul Chandler's family. Pirates have upped their attacks significantly this year, but the international response is also becoming increasingly robust.

Pirates, Inc.: Inside the booming Somali business

Meet the modern-day brigands behind the sometimes sophisticated, always risky operations that raked in an estimated $80 million in ransoms in 2008.

An interview with a jailed Somali pirate leader

Behind the bare brick walls of a desolate former British colonial prison in Somali land, five jailed Somali pirates didn't seem very fearsome at all.

NATO stops attack by Somali pirates

Piracy now high on Washington agenda

Secretary Clinton vows action, and seeks an international effort against the Somali pirates

Critics say US should attack Somali pirates' land bases

Is it time to replace bluewater policing with tactics of Jefferson, who defeated the Barbary pirates on land?

US Navy captures suspected pirates in Gulf of Aden

The seven men arrested will be turned over to Kenya, which plans to set up a court to try pirates.

Somali pirates free hijacked Ukrainian ship

The reported release of the freighter, carrying 33 tanks and other heavy weapons, closes a brazen chapter in the Somali piracy saga.

Forget Depp: Somali pirates risk all for riches, women

In cash-strapped, hungry Somalia, the pirate life may be risky, but payoffs are huge.

Pursuit of Somali pirates to get hotter

UN allows antipiracy forces to chase them onto land, attack them by air. But Security Council seems unprepared to address the instability that makes Somalia a 'failed state.'

Somali pirates seize Turkish ore freighter

Five other attacks were foiled this week, authorities say. But a unified international response could be difficult.

Getting food ships past Somalian pirates

Attacks at sea force a UN aid agency to rely on naval guards.

World

World

A rise in pirate attacks off Nigeria's coast

Turmoil in the oil-rich Niger Delta region is spreading out to sea as gangs in speedboats attack trading ships.