U.S. NAVY STRIKES SOMALI PIRATES

CAIRO [MENL] -- For the first time in years, the U.S. Navy launched anoperation against pirates who operate off the coast of Somalia. U.S. officials said the navy has increased patrols along the coast ofSomalia, an Arab League state, in an effort to end piracy. On Jan. 13,Somali pirates attacked Western ships that moved through the Red Sea.