Malaysia sends navy to combat pirates

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak reported that the frigates, carrying an unspecified number of soldiers and several helicopters, will provide security for five ships owned by Malaysian shipping line MISC Berhad.

Two MISC tankers were hijacked by pirates in the gulf last month, prompting the company earlier this week to ban its ships from the region until additional security measures are put in place.

The Gulf of Aden is already patrolled by an international naval force, but the Malaysian vessels will focus on escorting MISC ships. Mr Razak said that soldiers will not launch rescue operations for the two hijacked MISC ships because negotiations were ongoing to release the ships and crew.

The Gulf of Aden is one of the world's busiest waterways with 20,000 ships passing through each year.