President Lee Myung-bak expressed appreciation for the successful rescue operation by the country's navy for a South Korean chemical freighter and its 21 sailors seized by Somali pirates and reaffirmed Seoul's resolve not to tolerate any future attacks on South Korean people.

"Our military carried out the operation perfectly under difficult circumstances," Lee said in a brief statement broadcast live. "I appreciated it and send a message of encouragement." 

The freighter, the Samho Jewelry, with eight South Koreans, two Indonesians, and 11 others from Myanmar aboard, was hijacked in the Arabian Sea on Jan. 15 by Somali pirates. Eight pirates were killed and five others were captured alive in the operation, while the South Korean skipper of the ship was wounded.

"I ordered a rescue operation to the defense minister at 5:12 p.m. yesterday," Lee said. "I would like to thank allies for cooperation on this operation."

Lee said what is most important for South Korea is to protect the life and safety of its people.

"We will not tolerate any act threatening the life and safety of our people from now on as well," the president said in a resolute tone. (Yonhap News)