Danish navy frees 16 held by pirates, two hostages killed

COPENHAGEN: The Danish Navy said Tuesday it had freed 16 hostages held by pirates off the Somali coast the previous day, but that two more captives were killed in the rescue operation.

"The Danish warship Absalon stopped a pirate mother ship on February 27, 2012. During the incident, two hostages were killed," the Navy said in a statement.