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April 10, 2009
Terrorists Pirates Are In For A Ship Storm
Pirates Are In For A Ship Storm
US Destroyer Closes in on Hostage Boat
A US Navy destroyer yesterday shivered the timbers of a hapless group of Somali pirates stranded on the high seas in a lifeboat.
"We are surrounded by warships and don't have time to talk," one terrified pirate told a Reuters reporter who reached him via a satellite phone.
"Please pray for us."
But the four blubbering buccaneers refused to release the American skipper, Capt. Richard Phillips, their hostage in the tiny boat off Somalia as the 510-foot destroyer USS Bainbridge and other naval vessels kept close watch. All the while, negotiators tried to secure Phillips' release via telephone and radio.
"We are trying to resolve this is a peaceful manner," said Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman. "Should the US come into custody of the pirates, you can be assured a component of our strategy is to hold these individuals accountable for their crimes."
US Central Command boss Gen. David Petraeus said the military will increase its presence near the Horn of Africa in response to the first pirate seizure of an American vessel in more than 200 years.
"I can tell you there definitely will be more ships in that area within the next 24 to 48 hours," Petraeus said. "This is a very complex situation, though, because you have a hostage situation."
At least one pirate was talking tough, telling Bloomberg News from the lifeboat, "The situation will end soon."
The pirate identified as Da'ud said if the Americans "attempt to use any military operation I am sure that nobody will survive."
Abdi Garad, a pirate commander, said from the Somali port of Eyl, "We are planning to reinforce our colleagues, who told us that a Navy ship was closing in on them."
But experts, noting the Bainbridge's massive firepower, scoffed at Garad's bravado -- and a report that two boats of armed pirates were bound for the standoff scene.
"No one is coming to the pirates' rescue, that's for sure," said retired US Navy Cmdr. Kirk Lippold.
"It's a waiting game and time is on the Navy's side. The pirates are in a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean. The only card they have to play is the captain."
President Obama was briefed on the situation as Navy negotiators continued efforts to have the pirates free Phillips.
U.S. military already prepared with battle plans for Somalia pirates, say intelligence sources
U.S. military commanders have already prepared battle plans for ending the scourge of piracy on the high seas off Somalia if President Obama pulls the trigger, sources told the Daily News Wednesday.
The Navy sent a warship to intercept Somali pirates Wednesday who hijacked a U.S.-flagged freighter, as commanders weighed military options for nailing the brigands' bases.
Retired U.S. Ambassador Robert Oakley, who was special envoy to Somalia in the 1990s, said U.S. special operations forces have drawn up detailed plans to attack piracy groups where they live on land, but are awaiting orders from the Obama national security team.
"Our special operations people have been itching to clean them up. So far, no one has let them," Oakley told the Daily News.
The veteran diplomat, who also was ambassador to Pakistan, said teams of Army Delta Force or Navy SEALs "could take care of the pirates in 72 hours" if given the order to strike.
"They have plans on the table but are waiting for the green light," Oakley said.
Wild Thing's comment.........
"President Obama was briefed on the situation"
I can't help but laugh at this part of it. We keep seeing how Obama has been briefed, it is making me feel like when we see in an article how the reporter tried to contact the person the article is about and there was NO comment or response to the call. haha
This is a serious situation and I am in no way laughing at that. Only how Obama is so weak and not present in any of this....only that he has been briefed. So much for that 3:00 in the morning phone call. Obama would have his teleprompter answering the phone. Half awake he hands the phone over and says without opening his eyes...it's for you ( to the teleprompter).
Prayer for Capt Richard Phillips and his wife and family and to the rest of the crew and also to the rest of our Americans involved in taking care of this hostage crisis.
Posted by Wild Thing at April 10, 2009 05:50 AM
Comments
I can't believe we are trying to negotiate with terrorists. What price has the FBI been authorized to pay for the Captains release ?
If the United States pays one penny for the release for the Captain this will just open the door for more High Seas piracy on a much larger scale.
Posted by: Mark at April 10, 2009 08:51 AM
That pirate mother ship should have been sunk with all hands, instead we get the beating of gums and another useless UN resolution and a world display of a spineless president.
Posted by: Jack at April 10, 2009 09:53 AM
Snipers.....can't we pick the four of them off simultaneously and send a message to these thugs!! they really need to be killed to send a serious message!!.....Obama is a wimp!
Posted by: Dennis at April 10, 2009 01:06 PM
I figure the USS Bainbridge is named after the capitan of the USS Philidelphia, which was captured by Prirates 2007 years ago. The first action of US marines was to retake the ship. Just for fun, would any body bet a beer that the obama has them takes captives instead of killing them? Two beers if they let them go!
Posted by: Odin at April 10, 2009 02:52 PM
Mark, I agree totally, this is a dangerous
path our country will go down if we pay them
anything at all.
Posted by: Wild Thing at April 11, 2009 12:17 AM
Jack, he really is spinless. It is so
disgusting how he is so weak when it comes
to our countryand so pushy with his favorite
things the Muslims and making sure they are
kissed up to.
Posted by: Wild Thing at April 11, 2009 12:19 AM
Dennis, see I agree, I just don't get it.
Other then Obama will not allow us to
do anything. He as CIC has to give the
go ahead from what I read earlier today
and he has our military on hold. How
stupid is that. sheesh
Posted by: Wild Thing at April 11, 2009 12:24 AM
Odin,sounds about what Obama would do.
Posted by: Wild Thing at April 11, 2009 12:25 AM
