Pirates Flee Stronghold, Victorious Rebels Pledge End of Piracy and Return to Muslim Law
May 4, 2010
Story Highlights
Islamic militants drive pirates from base in Somali town of Haradheere
Area could return to rule by Islamic law
Armed rebel fighters from the Hizbul Islam group seized the main pirate town of Haradheere in central Somalia on Sunday.
The militants entered the town without resistance in 18 battlewagons as pirates fled in luxury cars.
"They came here today, the pirates fled as soon as Hizbul Islam came," area resident Hamdi Abdi told Tiziano by phone.
"The free western-style life of pirates has ended, beheadings may start now," she added. Pirates condemned the arrival of the Islamists, which could hamper their operations in the town.
"They want to deprive us of homes and money," said Abdullahi, a spokesman for the pirates in Haradheere.
The militants have vowed to stop piracy and return the town to life under Islamic law.
"We shall stop the piracy and free the hostages, the security and order will be restored, " said Sheikh Mohamed Osman, a spokesman for Hizbul Islam.
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Tags:
haradheere, Hizbul Islam, Islamism, MOGADISHU, Piracy, somali pirates, Somalia
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