Türkiye and Somalia free hijacked vessel after 10-day operation

September 1 ------ Türkiye’s navy and Somali security forces have freed a hijacked vessel in Somali waters after a 10-day operation that left 14 suspected pirates dead, Somalia’s government said.

During the 10-day operation, four boats used by the pirates were destroyed and 14 pirates were killed, Somalia’s Defense Ministry said in a statement. It added that sustained military pressure had forced the remaining pirates to abandon the vessel.

The Cameroon-flagged MV LUTUF was hijacked on 17 August off the coast of Nugaal in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region. The joint Turkish-Somali operation was conducted under a defense cooperation agreement between the two countries.

The ministry did not provide details on possible casualties among the security forces or the condition of the crew. It said the forces had secured the vessel and that the MV LUTUF had safely resumed its journey.

According to sources cited by AFP, at least eight crew members were aboard the vessel, including one Turkish national.

The operation comes amid a renewed rise in piracy off the Somali coast. According to figures from the International Maritime Organization, at least 15 piracy-related incidents have been reported off Somalia this year, with several vessels seized or held hostage.

The resurgence marks the most significant increase in Somali piracy in more than a decade. The renewed attacks are adding to growing security challenges for international shipping in and around the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.

Source: safety4sea.com