Somali pirates take 21 Filipino sailors hostageFebruary 10, 2012 - 15:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Twenty-one Filipino sailors on board a ship off the coast of Yemen have been taken hostage by Somali pirates, Australia Network News reported. Philippines officials are working with authorities in Bahrain to help resolve the latest abduction by Somali pirates. The Filipino sailors were aboard the Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, MV Free Goddess, when Somali pirates boarded the vessel near Yemen's Socotra islands. The captors are yet to make a ransom demand. There are reportedly almost 50 Filipino sailors on board four vessels currently held by Somali pirates. The Philippines has campaigned globally for maritime safety, particularly in the Gulf of Aden, as Filipinos make up an estimated one-third of sailors around the world. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |