What's not to understand? This is the FIRST time the "pirates" struck at night and since the small boats they use are NOT "well lighted", they must have had equipment to guide them.
One deterrant is to form a Naval blockade of sorts in the areas we suspect (I believe we know) are staging points for their mother ships/small boats and challenge any boat who comes within X number of feet of a US flag ship - the boat gets one warning to keep away and if they don't obey, fire over their heads...if they keep coming, directly at them. Or have armed US military board ships BEFORE they pass the Samoli coastline to "escort" US flag ships. Whatever we choose to do will be an expense but I'm fairly certain these "pirates" are not just a rag tag group but are financed by a larger organization.
I'm also certain the WH and Pentagon know far more than me about how to handle this situation; I'm just glad 44 and the France's president have had the guts to take decisive action...and I know you agree.