Somali piracy surges as the impact of the US-Iran war ripples outwards
A surge in Somali piracy is being linked to the broader instability caused by the US-Iran conflict and Houthi blockades in the Red Sea. Pirates are exploiting the distraction of international naval forces to target cargo vessels.
Why it matters
The resurgence of piracy threatens global supply chains and maritime security in a critical trade corridor.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Barbara Plett Usher Africa correspondent AFP via Getty Images Pirates manage to board ships operating a long way from the coast and then guide them closer to the shore A surge in piracy near Somalia has increased threats to shipping already under pressure from maritime blockades and conflict due to the US war with Iran.
Two cargo vessels were seized in the Gulf of Aden within four days last week, rising to at least 13 the number of ships attacked since the start of the year and triggering unprecedented drone strikes against the pirates.
It is the biggest escalation in hijackings in more than a decade, renewing concern about security in this region vital to international trade.
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