Swedes Hand over Somali Pirates

The Swedish navy on Monday handed over to Kenya 7 suspected Somali pirates arrested in the Gulf of Aden, news agency AFP reports referring to police sources. According to the report, the pirates had tried to hijack a Greek merchant vessel in the lawless waters off Somalia in May. The seven men now face trial in Kenya.

The Swedish warship HMS Malmö responded to an emergency call from the Greek vessel, which said it was under attack from pirates using rocket-propelled grenades. The Swedes are taking part in an international anti-piracy drive off the Somali coast. Sweden has three corvettes and some 150 personnel patrolling the Gulf of Aden since mid-May as part of a European Union force. (ah)