A dhow trading vessel was hijacked by armed individuals near Eyl, Somalia, raising concerns about renewed pirate activity. The incident follows the hijacking of a Maltese-flagged merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea, with suspicions pointing to Somali pirates.
In a concerning development, another vessel has been hijacked near the
coast of Somalia, raising alarms about the resurgence of Somali piracy after
nearly a decade of relative calm.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a dhow trading vessel was seized by heavily armed individuals near the town of Eyl off the Somali coast.
The information was obtained from military authorities, but no further details about the hijackers were provided. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Hijacking of Maltese-Flagged Merchant Vessel
Adding to the concerns, the European Union’s Naval Force reported a separate incident involving the hijacking of a Maltese-flagged merchant vessel in the nearby Arabian Sea last week.
The bulk carrier Ruen, with 18 crew members on board, was hijacked near the Yemeni island of Socotra, approximately 150 miles off the coast of Somalia. One crew member required medical attention and was evacuated to an Indian navy ship.
While suspicion points towards Somali pirates, the EU force has yet to confirm the identity of the hijackers or their demands.
Surge in Attacks on Commercial Ships
The recent surge in attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea by Iranbacked Houthi rebels from Yemen has further disrupted global trade routes. Initially targeting Israeli linked vessels during the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Houthis have since escalated their attacks, targeting ships without clear ties. The Pentagon recently revealed that five armed assailants captured by US forces after hijacking a commercial ship near Yemen were likely Somalis, suggesting a shift from piracy-related incidents to potential state sponsored attacks.
Somali Maritime Police Response
In response to these concerning developments, Somalia’s maritime police have intensified their patrols to ensure the safety of vessels in the region. The hijackings serve as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by Somali pirates, despite the significant decline in attacks over the past decade. The international community remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to safeguard maritime trade and security in the region.
