Somali pirates have demanded a ransom of three million dollars for the release of seventeen hostages, including ten Pakistanis.
During ongoing communication between the pirates and the Ansar Burney Trust, the pirate leader sent a WhatsApp message on Monday stating for the first time that the release of all hostages, the ship, and its cargo would only be possible if they were paid three million dollars. The pirates refused any reduction in the amount or any negotiations.
Qurrat-ul-Ain Advocate, director of the Ansar Burney Trust, said that the contact took place on Monday.