US Naval Ships Exchange Fire With Pirates

Two U.S. Navy warships exchanged gunfire with pirates off the coast of Somalia; one pirate was killed and five were wounded, the Navy said. Seven others were detained after the morning shootout, according to a 5th Fleet spokesman. No sailors were wounded. The clash occurred about 25 nautical miles off the Somali coast in international waters.USS Cape St. George (CG-71)USS Gonzalez (DDG-66)The USS Cape St. George (CG-71) and USS Gonzalez (DDG-66) were patrolling as part of a Dutch-led task force when they spotted a 30-foot fishing boat towing skiffs and prepared to board after seeing what appeared to be rocket-propelled grenade launchers. When the suspects began shooting, gunners returned fire, the Navy said. The UN has encouraged naval forces operating off Somalia to take action against piracy.