An Australian warship has captured a gang of nine pirates believed responsible for attacking merchant ships off the coast of Somalia.
Defence said the suspected pirates were taken aboard the guided missile frigate HMAS Melbourne and would be returned to Somalia.
The two pirate vessels were destroyed by machine-gun fire from Melbourne's helicopter.
On Tuesday, the 29-nation Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) received reports of attempted pirate attacks against two merchant vessels during the previous four days.
HMAS Melbourne was appointed to lead a successful search operation, involving CMF ships and aircraft and European Union Naval Forces.
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"Melbourne's success in disrupting piracy activity in the region reaffirms the importance of Australia's ongoing commitment to Combined Maritime Forces," HMAS Melbourne commanding officer Commander Brian Schlegel said in a statement.
