“Touching Americans is the worst that pirates did”

The history of the US Marines started with fighting African pirates, and now a permanent US military presence in Somalia is the only solution to the modern piracy problem, says RT’s military analyst Eugene Khrushchev.

Reports suggest the US military is considering attacks on pirate bases on land as well as helping the Somali government develop its own deterrents.

The news follows the armed rescue on Sunday of the American cargo ship captain held hostage by gunmen.

Richard Phillips was held off the Somali coast after surrendering to safeguard his crew and vessel.

Three of the gunmen were killed in the operation, and another was taken into custody.

However, pirates have vowed revenge attacks for the deaths.

The waters of the Gulf of Aden have become notorious for hijackings in recent months.