Mogadishu: One of Somalia’s most notorious pirates, Mohamed Abdi Hassan has announced that he’s quitting after an eight-year career of terrorizing on the high seas.
Addressing a press conference in Adado, a pirate haven town in Somalia, Hassan told reporters that after eight successful years in the business, he’s retiring.
“After being in piracy for eight years, I have decided to renounce and quit, and from today on I will not be involved in this gang activity,” Hassan said.
The king-pin pirate was described by the United Nations as “one of the most notorious and influential leaders.”
Hassan’s men were reportedly involved in seizing a Ukrainian transport ship in 2009 carrying 33 men and Soviet-era tanks, which was finally released after 134 days and a ransom payment of $3 million.
The pirate was also reportedly involved in the capture of a 2008 Saudi-owned Sirius Star supertanker, also released after a ransom of several million dollars was paid.
But hauls like that are rare now. Last year marked the lowest incidence of pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia in recent times: The seas are now patrolled by navies, and ships traveling on the Indian Ocean now use armed guards.
So, Hassan is getting out. And he’s trying to persuade other pirates to join him. “I have also been encouraging many of my colleagues to renounce piracy, too,” he said at the press conference, “and they have done it.”
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription