BOSSASO (SD) – Sources close to Somali pirates reported that a warship yesterday launched an attack on a pirate-hijacked ship off the Somali coast.

The warship, believed to be from the United Arab Emirates Navy, aimed to rescue the 23 crew members held hostage on the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah.

Intense fighting ensued between the warship and the pirates during the operation conducted last night, Thursday, while the rescue operation faced significant challenges.

The Somali pirates are said to have threatened to kill all the sailors if the warship that launched the attack did not stop the rescue operation and leave the area.

Nevertheless, efforts were made to deter the warship from pursuing its mission, with plans to retreat at least 20 nautical miles from the location where the MV Abdullah is held.