Suspected Somali pirates flown to the Netherlands

Dutch prosecutors say five suspected Somali pirates have been flown to the Netherlands to stand trial for their alleged roles in a foiled attack on a freighter in the Gulf of Aden.

Danish navy sailors captured the men after the January 2 attack on the Dutch Antilles-registered cargo ship Samanyulo. The ship's crew fended off the pirates with signal flares until the Danish naval ship came to the rescue. The five pirates who were held on the Danish warship Absalon were handed over to the Dutch authorities in Bahrain early on Tuesday, according to Admiral Danish Fleet headquarters.

The Dutch public prosecution office said Tuesday the suspects will be arraigned Wednesday at Rotterdam district court. The pirates face possible maximum terms of imprisonment from nine to 12 years.

Pirates attacked more than 100 ships last year. A Ukrainian cargo ship carrying tanks and other heavy weapons was released by Somali pirates last week after being held more than four months.