Two Somali pirates were killed in an operation by the Dutch frigate HNLMS Tromp on Saturday morning.

The Tromp took action to liberate an Iranian fishing vessel which had been hijacked by pirates. Dutch marines in inflatable boats came under fire when they approached the vessel and subsequently returned fire.

Ten of the pirates tried to flee in a fast motor boat when the marines made a second approach but gave up when the marines fired a number of warning shots. Another six pirates were apprehended aboard the fishing vessel, while two pirates had apparently been killed in the exchange of fire with the marines.

The Somali pirates, some of whom were injured, are being held on the frigate. The defence ministry reports that shortly after the liberation of the Iranian vessel, a hijacked merchant vessel ship approached the HNMLS Tromp, apparently with the intention of hijacking the Iranian fishing vessel, but it turned around after the frigate fired several warning shots.

The HNLMS Tromp left the Netherlands on 7 February to take part in the NATO anti-piracy operation Ocean Shield in the Gulf of Aden.

(gsh/mw)

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