U.S. forces killed 3 pirates after seeing captain in `` immediate danger , '' Navy says . American captain freed after being held hostage by pirates since Wednesday . U.S. Navy snipers fatally shot three pirates holding an American cargo-ship captain hostage after seeing that one of the pirates `` had an AK-47 leveled at the captain 's back , '' a military official said Sunday . Richard Phillips `` is in good health , '' Navy officer says . Comment:
U.S. forces killed 3 pirates after seeing captain in `` immediate danger , '' Navy says . American captain freed after being held hostage by pirates since Wednesday . Richard Phillips `` is in good health , '' Navy officer says . Comment: