FBI Hauls in Somali Pirate Boss for Deadly Attack

The FBI has hauled an alleged pirate leader from Somalia to Virginia to stand trial for his role in the killings of four American hostages earlier this year. Mohammad Shibin was captured in a joint operation coordinated with Somali authorities, reports the Wall Street Journal. The arrest of Shibin, who allegedly oversaw ransom negotiations, marks the first time the US has captured an alleged pirate in a leadership role, authorities say.

Shibin faces federal charges including piracy and conspiracy to kidnap. The arrest "is a significant breakthrough in the US battle against Somali pirates," a US attorney said. "We hope this indictment will strike at the heart of the piracy business and send a strong message to all pirates, whether they board the ships or remain on shore in Somalia." The FBI operation inside Somalia was made possible by a 2008 UN resolution authorizing "all necessary and appropriate measures" against Somali pirates. (More Somali pirates stories.)