Joint Operation Frees Hijacked Vessel
Turkey's navy and Somali armed forces have freed a hijacked cargo ship in Somali waters, Somalia's government said on Saturday. The operation, which lasted 10 days, resulted in the deaths of 14 alleged pirates and the destruction of four boats used by them, according to a statement from Somalia's Defense Ministry.
"During the 10-day operation, four boats used by the pirates were destroyed and 14 pirates were killed," the statement said. "The sustained military pressure finally forced the remaining pirates to abandon the ship."
The vessel, identified as the MV LUTUF (also spelled MV Latuf), is a Cameroon-flagged ship. It was hijacked on August 17 off the coast of the Nugaal region of Puntland state, near the town of Eyl. The ministry said the operation was carried out under a defense cooperation agreement between Turkey and Somalia.
The ministry did not disclose details on casualties or the well-being of the crew, but stated, "The forces subsequently secured the MV LATUF, which has now safely resumed its journey." According to AFP news agency sources, at least eight crew members were on board, including one Turkish national.
Ministry Warns of Heavy Penalties
In its statement, the ministry underscored that piracy is a serious offense carrying heavy penalties, warning that those involved, as well as their supporters and anyone who facilitates or turns a blind eye to such acts, will be held accountable and brought to justice.
Somalia's Defense Ministry praised the Somali National Armed Forces and the Turkish Navy for their cooperation and reiterated its commitment to protecting the country's coastline and territorial waters, combating piracy, and ensuring the security of maritime transport.
Part of Broader Defense Pact
The operation was part of a defense cooperation agreement between Somalia and Türkiye, which the ministry said has strengthened joint efforts to secure Somalia's coastline. This cooperation stems from the Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement signed by Türkiye and Somalia in February 2024, which included strengthening Somalia's maritime security capacity. Under the deal, Türkiye committed to supporting the protection of Somalia's maritime jurisdiction areas, securing marine resources, and countering illegal activities at sea. Türkiye has also long maintained military training and capacity-building programs in Somalia.
Resurgence of Piracy off Somalia
The Horn of Africa has seen a resurgence in piracy since April, with at least 15 attacks off the coast of Somalia this year, according to figures from the International Maritime Organization. At least five cargo ships were held hostage, the most recent seized on August 20 off Yemen. These attacks are the highest since 2013.
Piracy off Somalia surged in the late 2000s and early 2010s, peaking in 2011 before being curbed by international naval deployments and new protection measures for commercial shipping. Sporadic hijackings have continued in the years since.
The resurgence is adding to mounting challenges for international shipping in the Middle East, where vessels are already navigating around the contested Strait of Hormuz and seeking to avoid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. In recent years, pirate attacks have also increased along the West African coast.