US Senator Kerry urges caution on hot pursuit in Somalia

Washington: Incoming chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator John Kerry, favours using hot pursuit against Somali pirates but urges a cautious approach.

Kerry plans committee hearings next year looking at the problems posed by piracy.

Kerry said a hot pursuit policy on Somalia's coastline is "long overdue." But he warns against any "haphazard, sloppy" military missions.

"You gotta know what you're getting into and where you're going and under what circumstances," Kerry said.

"If you've just got one patrol boat and it chases guys in and people go ashore without enough firepower, without knowing what they're up against, you can get into a lot of trouble," Kerry said.

Responding to the growing problem of piracy in Somali waters, the UN Security Council voted unanimously earlier this month to authorise nations to attack pirate bases.

Pirates have attacked more than 90 vessels and seized about 40 boats carrying goods to luxury yachts off Somalia's coastline.