New york (Sunatimes) The residents of Bargal district in the Eastern region have expressed their concern over the increasing number of pirates in the coastal town.

Members of pirate groups have been increasing in recent weeks. Some residents say. Residents fear that the influx of pirates in Bargal could negatively affect the security situation in the area.

Local elder, Abas Ali Yussuf, who is a member of a committee that was recently elected to counter piracy in Bargal said armed strangers who were driving cars were seen in the area.

A pirate gang is also holding a ship they recently hijacked at the coast of Bargal. Elder Abas Yusuf says.

Bargal is an old town in the extreme far of the Eastern region. It is close to the village where Somali pirates are holding a Danish family they kidnapped a week ago.

By Mohamed Alfakih