Somali pirates escape with suspected police help

Around 30 suspected pirates, arrested during the rescue a hijacked oil tanker, escaped while being taken to jail, with suspicions emerging that police might have assisted their getaway, four security sources told AFP on Sunday.

There has been a resurgence in Somali piracy since April, with at least 15 attacks this year, the highest since 2013, according to the UN's International Maritime Organisation.

An oil tanker, Sibu 1, also known as Seamull, was rescued after being intercepted by maritime police on Friday, with 41 suspected pirates arrested and taken to the port town of Garacad.

It was seen as a victory for authorities in the semi-autonomous state of Puntland, who have been criticised for failing to act against the pirates, believed to benefit from protection by the local community.

What came next is likely to trigger further criticism, as 28 of the pirates were able to escape as they were being transferred by road from Garacad to the state capital of Garowe on Friday night.

The four local security sources interviewed by AFP said the decision to transport the suspects at night was unusual.

Then, along the route, the truck they were in experienced a burst tyre and the suspects found the door was unlocked, allowing them to flee, the sources said.