GALKAYO, Somalia Apr 12 2008 - A military operation off of the Horn of Africa coastline to rescue 30 hostages kidnapped by Somali pirates last week ended after all the hostages were released safely.

However, conflicting reports are emerging from the daytime military operation.

Some reports published by international media cited sources stating that the pirates were paid a $2 million ransom payment to release the 30 crew members aboard the hijacked French yacht.

Six pirates were apprehended by French army commandos, who tracked down the pirates after ascertaining that all the hostages were safe, Reuters reported.

But an independent journalist in Galkayo, the capital of Mudug region in central Somalia, told Garowe Online that 8 French army helicopters took part in the air strike against the pirates.

A vehicle with eight passengers on board was targeted and forced to stop, the journalist said.

"All eight people were taken by the [French] soldiers," said the journalist who did not want to be named in print.

At least four nomadic herdsmen were killed when they ran towards the commotion, the journalist said.

It was very difficult to independently confirm any of these conflicting reports.

The French military has denied killing anyone during the anti-piracy operation, but admitted that it this marks the first time a foreign government has responded militarily to Somali pirates.

Source: Garowe Online + agencies