Rebels, pirates face off over Saudi supertanker
23 Nov 2008, 0128 hrs IST, AGENCIES Print Email Discuss Share Save Comment Text: MOGADISHU: Even as Somali pirates released a Greece-owned tanker, the drama shifted on Saturday to the Saudi Arabian supertanker with $100 million worth of oil as Islamist militants said they would attack the pirates and rescue the vessel.
The Sirius Star has a 25-man crew from the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Croatia, Poland and Britain. It is thought to be anchored offshore near Haradheere, about half-way up
Somalia’s long coastline. One faction of the Islamists has vowed to attack the gang holding the tanker, in retaliation for them seizing a “Muslim” vessel. “We have arranged our fighters,” Islamist spokesman Abdirahim Isse Adow said. “The first step is to cut off pirates inland from those on the Saudi ship by restricting their supplies and cutting their communications.”
The pirates, meanwhile, said they would fight back fiercely, should any military intervention to free the ship be attempted. “I hope the owner of the tanker is wise enough and won’t allow any military option because that would be disastrous for everybody. We are here to defend the tanker if attacked,” Abdiyare Moalim said from Haradheere.
The pirates have been building up their defences around the captured Saudi Arabian vessel and have demanded a $25 million ransom. As foreign navies sent warships to Somalia’s dangerous waters and shipping companies sought alternative routes, extra clan militia and other fighters were brought in at Harardheere, residents said.
“Some of them are inside the town and others are taking shelter in a nearby village and can be called if need be,” local resident Mohamed Awale said. He said the fighters had come from neighbouring Gulgudud and Mudug regions.
Print Email Discuss Share Save Comment Text:
The ''Sirius Star''
 militants have vowed to fight pirates holding the  oil tanker  off the Somalian coast. The militants are angered over the seizure of a 'Muslim' ship.

The tanker is anchored near , a town controlled by the Islamists. The ''Sirius Star'', owned by Saudi state firm , has a crew of 25 from , Saudi Arabia, , , and . A ransom of $25 million is being sought, a quarter of the value of the vessel's cargo of oil.

"Hijacking a Muslim ship is a major crime," said militant spokesman Sheikh Abdi Rihin Isse Adow. "We strongly oppose piracy actions in our waters." Spokesman Abdirahim Isse Adow said: "We have arranged our fighters. The first step is to cut off pirates inland from those on the Saudi ship by restricting their supplies and cutting their communications."

They could have a fight on their hands, as the pirates have also been bringing in fighters in preparation for possible military attacks from various foreign navies that have arrived in the area to combat the growing threat from pirates. "I hope the owner of the tanker is wise enough and won’t allow any military option because that would be disastrous for everybody. We are here to defend the tanker if attacked," said pirate Abdiyare Moalim.

91 ships have been attacked by pirates in the  since the year began, but the ''Sirius Star'' is both the largest and furthest from shore to be taken, captured some 420 nautical miles (833 kilometers) from Somalia's coast. Shipping companies have rerouted around the area.

The news is not entirely bad, however, as a Greek tanker full of refined oil was released today, complete with cargo intact and crew of 19 unharmed. The MV ''Genius'', now headed out of the area, was captured September 26, the same day as the  was taken. The ''Faina'' remains held with a cargo of military hardware including tanks.