The authorities in Somalia said Nine suspected Somali pirates have been captured by the French navy and handed over to regional officials in northern Somalia.

Patrolling French marines arrested the pirates in the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday.

NATO ships are expected in the region in the coming days to escort aid ships through the dangerous waters.

A NATO spokesman said a precise time for the fleet's arrival could not be given because of delays caused by a violent storm that has sunk boats and killed livestock in northern Somalia.