Updated: Somali Pirates Hijack US Operated Ship, Crew regains control.

This is the latest of a series of brazen activities committed by the Somali Pirates.

NAIROBI, Kenya - Update: News reports from the Associated Press, British News Sources and US Defense Officials speaking anonymously confirm that the US crew of the hijacked vessel have retaken control of the ship with no injuries. The AP quoted this defense official as saying: "It's reported that one pirate is on board under crew control - the other three were trying to flee."

Reports indicate that the crew radioed for help once it had been hijacked but no other vessel was close enough to assist in time. Reports further indicate that the American crew is now safe after being held in captivity.

This is the latest of a series of brazen illegal activities committed by the Somali Pirates. It is the 6th vessel in a week to be seized by Somali Pirates in the general area.

A ship owned by British concerns, but operated by a Bulgarian crew, was hijacked on Monday. Last weekend a French Yacht, Yemeni tug boat and German container vessel were also hijacked.

The Somali pirates appear to have had only ransom and financial profit as their motivation in the commission of these acts. However, the security and defense concerns loom large as the incidents continue and grow in their frequency. The latest reports indicate that one pirate is in custody.

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