WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama on Monday said the United States was resolved to confront pirates and vowed to hold those who prey on
shipping accountable for their crimes.
Obama’s comments came a day after US merchant captain Richard Philipps was rescued by the US navy on Sunday after a five-day hostage drama off the coast of Somalia and following warnings by pirates that they would target Americans.
“We are going to have to continue to work with our partners to prevent future attacks,” Obama said, during a visit to the US Department of Transportation
in Washington.
“We have to continue to be prepared to confront them when they arise and we have to ensure that those who commit acts of piracy are held accountable for their crimes,” Obama said.
The president’s comments came hours after a Somali pirate chief threatened to target Americans in revenge for the rescue of the US captain in an operation that saw military snipers kill three of his captors.
