Abdi Garad

Abdi Garad is the name of a Somali pirate commander. Speaking in response to the deaths of three pirates responsible for hijacking the Maersk Alabama, Garad threatened to retaliate against American interests in the region. Another pirate stated that "We will seek out the Americans, and if we capture them, we will slaughter them," said a 25-year-old pirate based in the Somali port of Harardhere who gave only his first name, Ismail. "We will target their ships because we know their flags. Last night, an American-flagged ship escaped us by a whisker. We have showered them with rocket-propelled grenades," said Ismail, who did not take part in the Liberty Sun attack.

In the past, Garad claimed to be engaged in a legitimate nationalist struggle against toxic waste dumpings and sea resources plunderers, although he also admits that the ransoms had helped him to "enjoy life".