BOSASSO, Somali, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Somali pirates have released a Japanese-managed chemical cargo and its 18-man crew, sources close to the pirates in the northern region of Puntland said on Thursday.

News of the MT Irene's release followed confirmation that a German-owned ship was also freed on Thursday. About 10 other boats are still being held, however, after their seizure in the world's most dangerous waterway.

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