Militants Attack Nigeria Offshore Platform, Kidnap U.S. Sailor

June 19, 2008 7:22 p.m. EST

Lagos, Nigeria (AHN) - Armed militants on boats sailed 65 miles offshore to attack an oil platform in Nigeria on Thursday, forcing the oilfield to stop operation. The attackers also kidnapped a U.S. sailor.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) claimed responsibility for the attack on Royal Dutch Shell's Bonga oil platform, which produces 200,000 barrels per day.

After the daring raid, the fleeing militants attacked a U.S. supply vessel along the way, injuring two seamen and seizing the ship's captain. The unidentified hostage was released after several hours.

The attack caused oil prices to jump to $137 per barrel in Asian trading as the oilfield shutdown cut supply of the commodity from Africa's biggest crude producer.