2009/02/16 14:38 Malaysian commandos arrest Indonesian pirates

(RTTNews) - Malaysian marine commandos arrested seven suspected Indonesian pirates Monday after a pre-dawn high-drama sea chase in the Straits of Malacca.The pirates hurled grenades at the Malaysian police''s marine operation force and tried to ram their boat during the 40-minute chase through the narrow stretch of waters between West Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. A bullet fired by a commando wounded a suspect. He was hospitalized, while six men were taken into custody. Three pirates escaped.Reports said the commando unit chased the pirates who were in a powerful boat. The pirates had unsuccessfully tried to board a cargo ship, which fired a red flare to deter the attackers. The pirates reportedly sped off in the direction of Indonesia.Unlike the pirates operating in the waters off Somalia, those active in the Straits of Malacca usually only steal cash and the crewmembers'' possessions once they seize a vessel.For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.comCopyright(c) 2009 RealTimeTraders.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved