PARIS, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A French warship foiled two attacks Sunday by Somali pirates, rescuing two commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden, the French president's office said.

A French warship foiled two attacks Sunday by Somali pirates, rescuing two commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden, the French president's office said.(Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Patrolling off the Somali coast, the French warship "Jean de Vienne" captured 19 Somali pirates when they tried to seize a Croatian freighter and a Panamanian cargo ship. They will be transferred to Somali authorities, said the French president's office in a statement.

    Just three days ago, an operation conducted by another French warship saved a Panamanian ship attacked by Somali pirates and captured eight people.

A French warship foiled two attacks Sunday by Somali pirates, rescuing two commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden, the French president's office said.(Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Somalia, one of the world's busiest shipping areas, has become a global hotspot for piracy in recent years. More than 100 attacks by Somali pirates in the waterway were recorded in 2008 alone.

    The European Union has set up an anti-piracy naval operation to protect commercial vessels passing through the Gulf of Aden. Other countries, such as India, Iran, the United States and China also sent forces to the area.

Two European journalists released by Somali kidnappers  

    MOGADISHU, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Two European journalists have been released by Somali kidnappers, reports from agencies said on Sunday, citing a regional governor.

    British correspondent Colin Freeman and Spanish photographer Jose Cendon were set free after weeks of captivity, according to Muse Gelle Yusuf, governor of Bari in the northern Puntland region. Full story