U.S. intelligence agency warns vessels to avoid Mogadishu
The U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) has issued a special warning advising mariners to avoid the port of Mogadishu and remain at least 200 nautical miles away from the Somali coast.
Piracy is reported to be rampant in the area, the NGA said. Pirates have been using previously hijacked vessels as bases for further attacks. Another favorite tactic is for brigands to issue false distress calls to lure ships closer to shore.
The NGA urged that vessels in the area stay constantly alert, ready to repel attackers.