US Navy Captures Six Pirates Off Somali Coast

(NewsCore) - A U.S. Naval warship captured six pirates after they fired at the warship in the Gulf of Aden at 5am local time Saturday, the U.S. Navy said in a statement.

Upon being fired at by the small, pirate-controlled skiff, the navy returned fire causing the small boat to catch fire. The six alleged pirates jumped into the water to escape the flames and were apprehended by the Navy crew.

The attack on the Norfolk-based USS Ashland marks the third encounter in the past ten days between pirate ships and U.S. Navy vessels.

"This is why we are here," said Captain John Bruening, commanding officer. "It is so much more than just putting a stop to the illegal activities of only one pirate skiff. It is about fostering an environment that will give every nation the freedom to navigate the seas without fear of attack."