Somali Pirate Killed in Failed Hijack

Not the first time pirates have lost their lives in a hijack attempt or rescue operation in the Gulf of Aden. But the press is making a big deal of it because this time, private security forces pulled the trigger.

The death comes amid fears that increasingly aggressive pirates and the growing use of armed private security contractors onboard vessels could fuel increased violence on the high seas. The handling of the case may have legal implications beyond the individuals involved in Tuesday’s shooting.

“This will be scrutinized very closely,” said Arvinder Sambei, a legal consultant for the U.N.’s anti-piracy program. “There’s always been concern about these (private security) companies. Who are they responsible to?”