COPENHAGEN (AP) - The Danish government has announced the release of two Danes and four Filipinos who were held hostage in Somalia for more than two years after their ship was attacked by pirates.

Foreign Minister Villy Soevndal said the six men were safe on board a Danish navy ship off Somalia, but he did not give further details. He said Denmark had not paid a ransom for the hostages.

Defence Minister Nick Haekkerup said Danish commandoes were sent to Somalia to pick up the hostages, but he also declined to elaborate.

The six crew members were on the Danish cargo ship M/V Leopard when it was attacked by pirates on Jan 12, 2011, off Somalia. The men were believed to have been held captive on the mainland.