Two Somali pirates have been shot dead and 16 arrested in Dutch military action to rescue an Iranian fishing ship, the defence ministry said on Sunday.

The action was carried out by the frigate HMS Tromp, which is part of the Nato fleet patrolling the waters of eastern Africa.
The defence ministry said in a statement that the pirates first opened fire on the frigate as it approached the fishing dhow.
When the Dutch retaliated, the pirates made off on their own boat but gave up when further warning shots were fired. Ten Somalis were on board the pirate boat. A further eight were on the fishing boat, two of whom had been killed, probably in the exchange of gunfire, the defence ministry said.
All 16 men are currently being held on board the Tromp while the investigation into the incident continues.