French warship carrying 11 suspected pirate prisoners docks in Kenya

French warship carrying 11 pirate suspects docks

MOMBASA, Kenya — A French naval frigate carrying 11 suspected pirates has docked in the Kenyan port of Mombasa.

French officials say the suspects handed over to Kenya on Wednesday will be tried for their alleged attack on the Liberian cargo ship Safmarine Asia last week.

The Nivose is serving in the international fleet trying to protect the 20,000 ships that pass through the vital Gulf of Aden trade route every year.

France has traditionally been aggressive in fighting piracy. This was its ninth military operation against suspected pirates. Those who have attacked French citizens are taken to France for trial. Others are taken to court in Mombasa following an agreement between Kenya and the European Union.