Pirates in Somalia released three Syrians who have been held in captivity for more than two years, officials confirmed on Sunday.
No ransom was paid for the release, officials said. The three were handed over to the government late on Saturday and would be repatriated.
They were captured along with about 20 other crew on board the MV Orna in December 2010. One crew member was shot last year by his captors, apparently in a row over ransom, though the rest have been released.
Officials said the Syrians were held by Mohamed Abdi Hassan, known as Afwayne, who was identified by the United Nations as a major kingpin in Somalia's piracy industry.
Last week Afwayen announced he would no longer be involved in piracy, which has been in decline in recent years as off-shore security increased.