Pirates Kill U.S. Hostages, So U.S. Forces Kill Pirates
Found on Wired on Monday, 21 February 2011
Four Americans who had been taken hostage by pirates aboard their yacht were shot fatally by their captors. That prompted a deadly U.S. response.
Earlier this month, the chief of the European Union's counterpiracy force warned that Somali pirates were engaging in "systemic torture" of hostages and had "shown a willingness to use violence much more quickly, and much more violence."
I wonder why they don't solve the problem once and for all. Given that the US is so trigger happy, it's somewhat surprising that they haven't already sent their fleet over to clear the waters. Also, the usual targets of the pirates, the large freighters, could simply offer a free sightseeing tour to mercenaries; I'm sure pirates would think twice if they have to board a ship under heavy fire.