An American battleship has been attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden, according to US Military press reports.

USS Ashland (LSD 48), was fired upon by a skiff manned by suspected pirates in the in the Gulf of Aden on 10 April, approximately 330 nautical miles off the coast of Djibouti.

During the attack, Ashland returned fire causing the skiff to catch fire. Six suspected pirates were rescued from the water bringing the total number of arrests in the region by US Naval forces in the last 10 days to 21.

“This is why we are here,” said Capt. John Bruening, commanding officer, of the US naval group currently patrolling the Gulf. “It is so much more than just putting a stop to the illegal activities of only one pirate skiff. It is about fostering an environment that will give every nation the freedom to navigate the seas without fear of attack.”

On 21 March, USS Nicholas (FFG 47) was attacked late in the evening by pirates, resulting in the capture of five. On 5 April, USS McFaul (DDG 74) responded to the distress call from M/V Rising Sun on April 5, helping thwart the attack and capture an additional ten suspected pirates.

The U.S. Navy is now reviewing multiple options regarding these suspected pirates’ legal dispositions.