Despite Drop, Hundreds Of Somalis Engage In Piracy

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- Despite a sharp drop in the success rate, hundreds of
Somalis continue to engage in piracy in the Red Sea and Gulf.
A senior U.S. official said hundreds of Somalis continue to be employed
as pirates and target merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Thomas Kelly, principal deputy assistant secretary, said the pirates were
believed financed by international figures.