Somali pirates have released a Greek cargo ship after receiving about 1.7 million euros in ransom. The Ariana was hijacked on 2 May while it was sailing from Brazil to the Middle East under the Maltese flag.

International naval patrols in the region have meant pirates based in Somalia have moved their operations away from the Horn of Africa region. They are now targetting shipping in the Indian Ocean and off the West African coast.

photo: Somali pirates (EPA)