Recent attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Somalia have raised concerns among analysts about a possible resurgence of piracy in the Horn of Africa, a region that once ranked among the world’s most notorious piracy hotspots in the early and mid-2000s.
اضافة اعلان
At the height of the crisis, piracy off Somalia’s coast cost the global economy around $18 billion annually, according to the World Bank. Although sporadic hijackings have continued since then, the recent succession of incidents—coinciding with the war involving Iran—has intensified fears of a broader escalation.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has raised the threat level around Somali waters, warning vessels to exercise extreme caution when transiting the area.
What Happened?
Since April 20, multiple reports have emerged of ships being seized near Somali shores.
The European Union naval force (European Union Naval Force) confirmed receiving a report from Puntland maritime police about the hijacking of the fishing vessel “Al Khairi 2” on April 20. The vessel was later released, with all crew members reported safe.
However, the following day, another vessel—“Honor 25”—was also hijacked in the same region, reportedly carrying around 18,000 barrels of oil. It is believed to be anchored between the fishing villages of Hafun and Bandar Beyla, with pirates still on board.
The ship had initially sailed toward the United Arab Emirates but was forced to turn back toward Mogadishu on April 2 after failing to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
On April 26, EU naval forces also reported monitoring the hijacking of another commercial vessel, “Seward,” which was seized about 6 nautical miles northeast of a Somali coastal town. The ship reportedly carried a crew of 15, including Indian and Syrian nationals.
In a related development, Yemen’s coast guard reported that the oil tanker “MT Eureka” was hijacked off the coast of Shabwa Governorate and taken toward the Gulf of Aden.
Who Is Behind the Attacks?
It remains unclear which groups are responsible. Historically, piracy operations in the region have involved local fishermen and armed groups, including factions linked to extremist organizations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda.
Analysts suggest that the redirection of anti-piracy naval patrols since 2023 toward the Red Sea—to counter attacks by Houthi forces near the Bab al-Mandab Strait—has created a security gap that pirates are now exploiting.
Additionally, some international naval forces that previously helped contain piracy have shifted focus toward escorting vessels attempting to navigate the Strait of Hormuz amid its closure during the Iran-related conflict.
Rising fuel prices linked to the broader conflict have also increased the value of oil cargoes, making tankers more attractive targets for piracy.
A Familiar Threat Returns
Piracy has long plagued the Somali coast, the Gulf of Aden, and even parts of the Indian Ocean. It escalated sharply during the collapse of Somalia’s central government between 2006 and 2009, when thousands of sailors were detained or attacked and pirates demanded ransoms worth millions of dollars.
Between 2005 and 2012, total ransom payments were estimated at between $339 million and $413 million. In 2011 alone, around 212 attacks were recorded—one of the highest annual figures.
A multinational effort later helped curb the threat, including Operation Ocean Shield led by NATO, and Operation Atalanta under EU NAVFOR, alongside the Combined Maritime Forces and Somali authorities.
These coordinated patrols, involving 47 countries, significantly reduced piracy incidents. However, recent developments suggest that the threat may once again be re-emerging.
Al Jazeera
