Somali pirate attacks decrease in november

The number of hijackings by Somali pirates was sharply down last month compared to the same period last year. The latest figures provided by the European Naval Force show just 12 attempted pirate attacks in November 2011, compared to 35 last year. According to the (BBC), this is partly the result of the growing number of armed guards on board ships. But at least 200 hostages are still being held in or just off Somalia. EU Navfor, the European Naval Force that patrols the western Indian Ocean, says that of last month\'s 12 recorded attacks, only one was partly successful. That compares to 35 attacks in November last year, of which seven were successful. Naval officers told the BBC this was down to a combination of factors. More and more ships are now carrying armed guards, many vessels are better protected with razor wire and water cannon, and there has been an increased number of naval interceptions of pirate boats, known as \'skiffs\'. (QNA)