Hijacking pirates exploit regional chaos to return to seas off Somalia
Somali piracy has surged to levels not seen in a decade, driven by regional instability including the US-Israel war on Iran and political chaos in Somalia. Recent months have seen eight hijackings, targeting cargo ships and oil tankers, prompting international concern and a joint Turkish-Somali operation to free one vessel.
Why it matters
The resurgence of Somali piracy poses a significant threat to international shipping, global trade, and maritime security, potentially leading to increased costs, supply chain disruptions, and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa.
The Indian Navy recaptures the MV Ruen, a Maltese ship, from Somali pirates off the Indian coast in March 2024, after a three-month hijacking./AFP/Getty Images The Indian Navy recaptures the MV Ruen, a Maltese ship, from Somali pirates off the Indian coast in March 2024, after a three-month hijacking./AFP/Getty Images Somalia Hijacking pirates exploit regional chaos to return to seas off Somalia US-Israel war on Iran and political instability in Somalia lead to pirates targeting cargo ships off Horn of Africa
Prefer the Guardian on Google The scourge of Somali piracy targeting cargo ships and smaller dhows off the Horn of Africa has returned to levels not seen in a decade, driven by a convergence of factors including disruptions to the shipping industry caused by the US-Israeli war against Iran and a resurgence of political instability in Somalia .
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