Somali pirates have demanded a ransom of three million dollars for the release of seventeen hostages, including ten Pakistanis. During ongoing communication between the pirates and the Ansar Burney Trust, the pirate leader sent a WhatsApp message on Monday stating for the first time that the release of all hostages, the ship, and its cargo would only be possible if they were paid three million dollars. The pirates refused any reduction in the amount or any negotiations. Qurrat-ul-Ain Advocate, director of the Ansar Burney Trust, said that the contact took place on Monday. The pirates denied recent reports claiming they had demanded ten million dollars. They also distanced themselves from a man named Usman, who had been presented in the media as the ship’s owner and allegedly linked to the ten-million-dollar demand. According to Qurrat-ul-Ain Advocate, the pirates rejected any third-party negotiations and asked the Pakistani government to speak with them directly.
Somali pirates demand $3m ransom to release hostages, including 10 Pakistanis
Published on: May 19, 2026 2:49 AM