Asia-Pacific

Sri Lankan fishermen killed by Somali pirates

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-01-31 20:03

COLOMBO - At least two Sri Lankan fishermen taken captive by Somali pirates in the international waters have been killed, an official said Monday.

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"They are a group of five fishermen. We are now making arrangements to have the three others return to Sri Lanka," Narendra Rajapaksa of the Fisheries Ministry said.

Rajapaksa said they ventured into fishing on a trawler on Jan 4 and information on the deaths was received on Sunday.

In a similar incident Sri Lankan officials on Saturday said two fishermen taken by the Somali pirates on Nov 20 last year have been released and they will be sent back soon.