MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) _ Somali pirates holding South Korean hostages have demanded the release of prisoners and compensation from their government for a commando raid that killed several pirates earlier this year.

The demand is the second time that pirates have sought to use hostages to negotiate a prisoner exchange in addition to a ransom.

One of the pirates holding 25 crew aboard the MV Gemini told The Associated Press on Friday that they want compensation for eight pirates killed in February and other pirates being held prisoner to be released.

Hassan Abdi says the South Korean anti-piracy approach was foolish.

Most hijackings end with million-dollar payouts, a fortune in war-ravaged Somalia.