Life with the pirates of Somalia

Abdul Hassan carries a rocket-propelled grenade near a small boat with some of his crew. This pirate group, called the Central Regional Coast Guard, was formed three years ago, has 350 men in its ranks and about 100 speedboats Photograph: Veronique de Viguerie/Getty Images

In 2008, the group attacked 29 ships, earning $10m (£6m). Abdul Hassan, who pocketed $350,000, arrived with a small crew on a beach near Hobyo, on the border between Galmudug and Puntland states, before going on an attack to another ship Photograph: Veronique de Viguerie/Getty Images

Abdul Hassan, 39, is nicknamed "the one who never sleeps" Photograph: Veronique de Viguerie/Getty Images

Abdul Hassan carries a rocket-propelled grenade on a small boat with some of his crew Photograph: Veronique de Viguerie/Getty Images

The Central Regional Coast Guard in the waters off Somalia Photograph: Veronique de Viguerie/Getty Images

From Hobyo's beach, three different ships captured by the pirates can be seen. The one pictured is Japanese, and was attacked in September. The ship and its crew will remain there until the end of the negotiations between the pirates and the ship's insurance company. The Ukrainian ship MV Faina is also nearby, but is too far out to sea to be seen from the beach Photograph: Veronique de Viguerie/Getty Images

On Wednesday October 29 2008, the Somalian president gave the greenlight for foreign troops to attack pirates within Somalian territory. In response, pirates are getting ready for the fight. A convoy of five trucks, each carrying five boats, goes through Galcayo on its way to Hobyo to supply the pirates Photograph: Veronique de Viguerie/Getty Images

This Hobyo Branch store in Galkayo is supplying the pirates with food, drink and cigarettes. They call the owner to order what they need; then a truck goes from Galkayo to Hobyo with the items and sells them to the pirates for twice the normal price, partly contributing the country's inflation Photograph: Veronique de Viguerie/Getty Images

Galkayo is in the centre of Somalia, near the states of Hobyo and Puntland, and also near Ethiopia. Despite its strategic location, the city remains very poor, unemployment is very high and violence is part of everyday life. Pirates have a relatively high standing and are starting to build themselves big houses and businesses with their money. Now they represent the dream of success for many of the men living in Galkayo Photograph: Veronique de Viguerie/Getty Images

Due to the security risks in Somalia, visitors require private escorts of armed men at all times to avoid being attacked by the different militias operating in the area. Fifteen armed men were required as escorts for the photographer, Veronique de Viguerie Photograph: Veronique de Viguerie/Getty Images