Somali security forces clashed with pirates early on Wednesday and freed nine seamen kidnapped on an Indian cargo ship this month, officials said.
The pirates seized the dhow Al Kausar off Somalia’s coast, part of a surge of attacks after years without a reported incident.
The kidnappers took the crew onshore in central Galmudug state on Monday and clashed with troops two days later, the territory’s minister for ports and sea transport, Burhan Warsame, said.
“We rescued the nine crew and they are healthy and safe,” he added.
Hirsi Yusuf Barre, mayor of Galkayo town in the area, said the security forces attacked the gang after it tried to move the hostages into an area controlled by the militant group al Shabaab overnight.
“We sent forces to every corner and blocked all roads,” the mayor said.
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