• Mou Mou
• 19 Feb, 2025

Suspected Somali pirates have hijacked a Yemeni fishing boat off the Horn of Africa, marking the second attack within ten days. The incident occurred near the town of Eyl, Somalia raising concerns about a resurgence in piracy.

Details & Context

A European naval force, EUNAVFOR Atalanta confirmed the attack in a statement on Tuesday. The boat a traditional dhow used for fishing and trade was seized by armed men. Authorities are investigating the attack which follows a similar incident where pirates targeted another Yemeni boat but later fled leaving the crew unharmed.

Piracy off Somalia’s coast was at its peak in 2011 with 237 attacks recorded. During that time global economic losses due to piracy were estimated at 7 billion dollar with ransom payments reaching 160 million dollar. However international naval patrols and stronger governance in Somalia had significantly reduced piracy in recent years.

Read More: Israeli Soldiers Charged for Mistreating Palestinian Detainee.

Impact of Recent Conflicts

The recent surge in piracy is believed to be linked to instability in the region particularly due to the ongoing conflict in Yemen and Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea. The increased security threats have forced ships to reroute making smaller vessels more vulnerable to attacks.

According to the International Maritime Bureau seven piracy incidents have been reported off the Somali coast in 2024 alone signalling a worrying trend for maritime trade and security.

With piracy making a comeback maritime authorities and naval forces are on high alert. Efforts are being made to track the hijacked vessel and ensure the safety of its crew. The situation underscores the need for continued vigilance in international waters.