Pirates off the coast of Somalia have attacked yet another US-flagged ship, The Liberty Sun.  The attack took place late on Tuesday and comes just days after one of the pirate leaders vowed revenge for Sunday's rescue operation to free US Captain Richard Phillips. Three pirates were killed in that operation.  

The Liberty Sun was travelling to Mombasa, Kenya, laden with food aid for a number of African nations. The pirates approached the ship and fired on it with automatic weapons and rockets.

The crew immediately called for assistance from the US Navy. The USS Bainbridge later arrived on the scene and helped to repell the attack. The Liberty Sun sustained minor damage and a fire broke out, which the crew was able to extinguish.  

Pirates operating off the Horn of Africa seem to be stepping up their attacks, and seized two more cargo vessels on Tuesday, the Greek-owned MV Irene E.M. and the Togo-registered MV Sea Horse. The pirates are currently holding at least 260 people hostage on 19 vessels.

Escalating violence
US President Barack Obama has vowed to confront piracy off the coast of Somalia, and Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, has announced a review of American military strategy relative to piracy.

Following Sunday's rescue mission, there are concerns that violence may escalate and many experts argue that the only way to deal with the pirates is to foster a functioning government inside Somalia itself which has been without a central government for years.