From RIA Novosti:  Russian commandos from the large anti-submarine ship Marshal Shaposhnikov released on Thursday a Russian tanker hijacked by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden.

A high-ranking official from the maritime coalition forces said Navy forces made the decision to release the Moscow University tanker as they were aware the sailors had taken cover in an area inaccessible to the pirates on board the ship. …

According to the official, the commandos from the Marshal Shaposhnikov detained 10 pirates and killed one during the release of the tanker.

"During the reconnaissance preceding the assault operation, the Russian commandos simultaneously used helicopters and speedboats while special forces covertly approached the tanker," the official said adding that after a short shootout the pirates were detained and put under custodial guard in one of the tanker’s compartments.

"During the large anti-submarine ship Marshal Shaposhnikov’s special operation, the pirates on board the Moscow University tanker opened fire using small arms. One of them [pirates] was shot during return fire," the military official said, adding none of the Russian sailors was injured.

According to the ministry official, the pirates’ weapons were seized, including large-caliber, grenade launchers and the equipment used to board the tanker (ladder and grappling hooks).  (photo: AP)

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