Somali pirates release Syrian hostages after 2 years

Somali pirates have released three Syrian hostages held in captivity since 2010 without payment of any ransom, Euronews quoted government officials as saying on Saturday. The three were part of the 19-strong crew of a Panama-flagged, United Arab Emirates-owned bulk cargo vessel captured in December 2010 some 400 miles northeast of the Seychelles. The ship was released in October 2012 after pirates said they received $400,000, but detained six of the crew to get more money for them. The pirates who had held the three were pardoned, Mohamed Aden Tiicey, president of the government of Adado region said. "No ransom was paid. We had agreed with pirates to surrender, hand over weapons and release the hostages without ransom," Tiicey said. Hostage Muayad Walio said he and his companions in captivity were in good health. "I am very happy. We got our freedom after about two years and one month," hostage Muayad Walio said.