Pirates flee Islamist fighters

In Somalia, fighters from an insurgent group, Hizbul Islam, have taken over Harardhere, a central Somali coastal town, formerly controlled by pirates. The pirates have fled with hijacked ships and crews to Hobyo, another neighbouring pirate stronghold.

Reuters

Witnesses in Haradhere said hundreds of pirates were seen leaving the town hours before the militia moved in.

They retreated to Hobyo, which is about 108 kilometres to the north, with at least six hijacked vessels and more than 90 hostages. 

Witnesses claim the pirates rode in luxury cars carrying televisions, generators and mattresses with them. Some of the residents of Haradhere also fled the town.

A spokesperson for Hizbul Islam, Sheikh Mohamed Osman Arus, said his fighters are in Haradhere now and that they will move to other towns in the region including Hobyo.

Hisbul Islam didn’t explain why it has now decided to take on pirates.

The militia's move into this strategic pirate den raises the spectre of an insurgent attempt to close down the piracy trade.

So far, neither Hizbul Islam nor the Al-Shebab Islamist group have launched direct attacks on pirates.