Somalia: Early yesterday morning, Puntland Security Forces mounted an operation to free the Panamanian-flagged, pirated ship, 'QSM Dubai'. A force of approximately 50 personnel tracked the pirated vessel as it sailed down the northern coast of Puntland and carried out a surprise boarding to retake control.
Shots were fired during the operation and casualties were sustained. One crewmember was killed and another sustained injuries. In addition, two members of the Puntland Security Force were also injured.
USS 'Cole', part of NATO's counter piracy task force conducting Operation Ocean Shield, was shadowing the 'QSM Dubai' from a distance although they took no part in the actual operation.
Once the Puntland Forces had control of the ship, they requested medical assistance from USS 'Cole'.
The doctor from the NATO warship boarded the 'QSM Dubai' once it was safe to do so and provided treatment to the injured.
