Security & Safety
Rising Pirate Attacks Off Somalia Raise Security Concerns
The recent wave of pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia has sparked renewed fears of a resurgence in maritime piracy, with a series of dhow hijackings raising concerns about potential threats to larger commercial vessels.
In the latest incident, the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ATALANTA reported the suspected hijacking of a Yemeni fishing vessel near Eyl, Puntland, on 16 March. Seven hijackers remain on board, along with the dhow’s crew of eight Somali nationals.
“EUNAVFOR ATALANTA is monitoring the event and coordinating closely with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and the Yemeni Coast Guard,” the naval force stated.
This attack is part of a growing trend. On 17 February, pirates seized the Yemeni Saytuun-2, holding it for five days before abandoning it. Earlier, on 8 February, another dhow, Al Najma, was hijacked off Eyl but was later recovered by EUNAVFOR ATALANTA forces on 13 February.
The increasing frequency of these hijackings has raised concerns that pirates may once again target larger merchant ships operating in the region. Authorities remain on high alert, working to prevent a full-scale resurgence of Somali piracy.