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American Hostages Killed In Somali Pirate Attack

Deadly Pirate Attack On American YachtIn what has become the deadliest incident involving Somali pirates and kidnapped Americans, Somali pirates killed four American hostages on Tuesday as U.S. forces attempted to negotiate with the captors.

The hostages were shot dead after gunfire broke out inside the private yacht where the Americans were being held.

The U.S. military said it had been in the mist of negotiations when a Somali pirate fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the USS Sterett, which was assisting at the scene. Gunfire followed from inside the cabin.

Military forces responded quickly to the gunfire, sending a rescue team of 15 Navy SEALs in high-speed assault crafts to the yacht.

American forces quickly took control of the vessel, killing two pirates in the struggle.

However, in spite of rescue efforts, American forces discovered that all four hostages had been shot. Two were dead upon discovery, while the two other hostages died shortly after, succumbing to their wounds.

Find out what’s behind the piracy problem with: Pirates of the Indian Ocean: A Military Analysis from Col. Jack Jacobs

Pirate Flag - Deadly Pirate Attack On American YachtTwo pirates died during the confrontation. Two other pirates were found dead on board, allegedly killed by fellow pirates.

Fifteen pirates are currently in U.S. military custody. This is the first time American hostages have been killed by Somali pirates.

The incident brings attention to scope of the piracy issue off the coast of Africa.

The Horn of Africa is a historic route for sailors traveling around the world. Unfortunately, world travelers can no longer rely on simply keeping their distance from the coast of Somalia in order to prevent attack.

According to the U.S. military, Somali pirates have begun to use mother ships in order to move their operations further out to sea. Pirates have been known to operate up to 1,400 nautical miles away from Somalia, from the coast of India down to Madagascar.

By Adriana Padilla for PeterGreenberg.com.

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