China claimed that Somalia pirates have freed 26 hostages they held since 2012. The freed hostages reached Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday. 

The international mediators said the release of hostages marks a turning point in the battle against the pirates. The hostages come from different countries, including China, Indonesia and Cambodia.

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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that 10 of the hostages are from mainland China, while two are from self-governing Taiwan.

The ministry further stated that the rescue involved "various efforts." It also thanked various parties involved in the rescue operations.

John Steed, coordinator of the Hostage Support Partners for the US-based organization Oceans Beyond Piracy, said the freed hostages will be sent to their home countries.

He also shared that the former hostages are in relatively reasonable condition. However, one member of the crew died in the hijacking. Another two fell victim to illnesses during their captivity.

The fishing vessel FV Naham 3 was hijacked in March 2012 near south of the Seychelles. It had 29 crew members onboard.

Steed said their release means the "end of captivity for the last remaining seafarers taken hostage during the height of Somali piracy."

The International Maritime Bureau of the International Chamber of Commerce issued a report in July, claiming that the incidence of armed robbery off the coast of Somalia was down to its lowest level since 1995.

The decline was mainly attributed to the operations conducted by foreign warships, including Chinese naval fleets. The report warned everyone, though against th rise in kidnappings in West Africa.

Tagschina, Somalia, Nairobi