The U.S. Navy is warning ships to stay away from the coast of Somalia after a series of pirate attacks there.
The U.S. Maritime Liaison Office in Bahrain says that, although ships belonging to U.S.-led anti-terror coalition are operating in the area, they cannot monitor every ship that passes the east coast of Somalia. The office is urging merchant ships to stay at least 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) off Somalia.
Pirates have attacked at least eight ships in the area this year. On Saturday, pirates tried, but failed, to hijack a boat carrying food to Somalia for the United Nations World Food Program.
The United Nations is calling for international action against the rampant piracy off Somalia's coast, saying it threatens further aid deliveries to the country.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
