Soldiers ambushed as rescue attempt turns deadly

Mogadishu (AP) :

An attempt by Somali security forces to free a Danish family from a pirate gang yesterday turned deadly after the would-be rescuers walked into an ambush, a pirate and a security official said.

Pirate Bile Hussein told The Associated Press that armed forces from Somalia's semi-autonomous northern region of Puntland tried to surround the village of Hul Anod and free the family but were beaten back before they were in position. He said some government forces were killed and others were captured but did not give exact figures.

"We defended ourselves and foiled their attempt to recover the Danish family," he said. "We have killed and captured some of their soldiers and burnt two (government) pickup trucks. They have run away back to where they came from. ... The hostages are safe and still in our hands."

A Nairobi-based security official confirmed the incident, citing information from Puntland authorities. He said the pirates ambushed the government forces on their way to the rescue mission. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media.