From the BBC
US captain released from pirates
breaking news
The captain of a US container ship taken hostage by Somali pirates has been released, the US Navy has said.
According to initial reports, three pirates were killed in the operation to free Captain Richard Phillips. Another is in custody.
Capt Phillips is said to be unhurt and on the USS Bainbridge, a warship sent to track the pirates holding him.
He was taken hostage last Wednesday after pirates briefly hijacked his ship, the Maersk Alabama.
Media reports say Capt Phillips' family was informed of his release several hours ago.
Somali elders had been trying to resolve the standoff but most recent reports suggested the talks had stalled.