It’s getting ugly out there.

Somali pirates built up their defences around a captured Saudi Arabian super-tanker on Friday after demanding a 25 million dollar ransom.

As foreign navies sent warships to Somalia’s dangerous waters and shipping companies sought alternative routes, extra clan militia and other fighters were brought in at the pirate lair of Harardhere, residents said.

“Some of them are inside the town and others are taking shelter in a nearby village and can be called if need be,” local resident Mohamed Awale told AFP. He said the fighters had come from neighbouring Gulgudud and Mudug regions.

… The pirates on Thursday gave the owners 10 days to pay a 25 million dollar ransom.

Speaking from the tanker, a pirate who identified himself as Mohamed Said threatened “disastrous” consequences should Vela International, shipping arm of the Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco, fail to comply.

“The Saudis have 10 days to comply, otherwise we will take action that could be disastrous,” he said.

[thx Ken K.]

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