The pirates who kidnapped a British couple off Somalia last month say they have moved them further inland for better protection from Islamist militants.

Paul and Rachel Chandler of Kent are now being held in Haradheere, a notorious pirate haven and stronghold about 35 miles inland from the Somali coast, The Times of London reported Wednesday.

The couple was moved because of fears Islamic militants were planning to seize them from the pirates.

"We are telling the families to respect our words, we will never harm these people but we want ransom," says Mohamed Shakir.

The pirates are demanding $7 million in exchange for their release.

The couple was seized Oct. 23 while en route from Seycelles to Tanzania.