Following more than four years in captivity, 26 Asian sailors held hostage by Somali pirates have been rescued from their captors, China's Foreign Ministry confirmed Monday. The sailors arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sunday, and international mediators said the action the marks a turning point in the long-fought battle against Somali piracy. The crew from Vietnam, Taiwan, Cambodia, Indonesia, China and the Philippines had been among the few hostages still in the hands of Somali pirates. She said the 26 crew members were rescued Saturday "through various efforts." Most hostages held by Somali pirates have been sailors on merchant ships, although European families also have been kidnapped from their yachts while travelling in the dangerous waters.

Source: CBC News October 24, 2016 04:30 UTC