- Pirates used an Iranian dhow as a mothership for attacks.
- Operation Atalanta confirms the pirate group was disrupted.
- Somali piracy resurges amid regional instability.
The European Union and Indian naval forces have successfully taken control of a vessel that pirates were using off the coast of Somalia. This operation followed the recent hijacking of a commercial tanker that was transporting fuel from India to South Africa, reports AP News.
Pirates Used a Fishing Vessel as a Mother Ship
The pirates had taken over an Iranian fishing dhow, which they used as a “mother ship” to launch several attacks in the area. After the hijacking, the dhow was eventually abandoned off the Somali coast. A boarding team from a European frigate discovered the original crew members on board, and they were found to be “in good condition, safe and free.” Iran has yet to comment on the situation.
Operation Atalanta Confirms Disruption of Pirate Group
According to the EU naval mission Operation Atalanta, the pirate group “operating in the area has been definitely disrupted.” The statement added that EU forces “have gathered evidence and intelligence of the incident that together with the evidence collected on board [the seized tanker], will be submitted to support the legal prosecution of the perpetrators.”
Piracy Threat Resurfaces in Somali Waters
Piracy off the coast of Somalia reached its peak in 2011, with 237 reported attacks that cost the global economy around $7 billion and resulted in $160 million in ransom payments, according to monitoring groups. Since then, the threat had diminished thanks to coordinated naval patrols and a more robust Somali government. However, incidents have started to rise again over the past year, partly due to instability from regional conflicts, including attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea corridor.
Renewed Vigilance Amid Rising Incidents
In 2024, there have been seven recorded piracy incidents off Somalia, and several fishing vessels have been seized in recent months. The hijacking of the recent commercial tanker marks the first significant seizure since May 2024, leading to a renewed sense of international vigilance in the region.
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Source: AP News
