Fears of resurgence in Somali piracy after three vessels hijacked in past week
Summary
Three ships have been hijacked off Somalia’s coast in the past week, raising concerns that piracy in the area is increasing again. Pirates have taken advantage of fewer naval patrols near Somalia and are using modern tools and support from land to carry out attacks.Key Facts
- Three vessels were hijacked near Somalia between April 21 and April 26.
- The hijacked ships include a motor tanker carrying oil and a cement carrier.
- Pirates operated close to the Somali port town of Garacad and anchored one ship nearby.
- About 20 armed pirates and an interpreter were on board one captured ship.
- Pirates are using GPS, satellite communication, and captured smaller boats to operate far from shore.
- Naval forces have reduced patrols near Somalia as they focus on protecting shipping lanes in the Red Sea due to regional conflicts.
- Pirates received supplies, such as khat, from land, showing they have support networks onshore.
- Piracy around Somalia had declined after 2014 but began rising again in 2023.
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