Somali pirates killed tanker crew before rescue, Puntland official tells BBC
Five crew members of the oil tanker MT Hoarner 25 were killed by pirates off the coast of Somalia before regional security forces regained control of the vessel. Authorities have arrested 16 suspects while continuing to pursue others involved in the hijacking.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the persistent threat of piracy in the region and the ongoing challenges for maritime security in Somali waters.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Nimaan Osman BBC Somali Getty Images Security forces from Puntland have stepped up patrols amid increasing pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia Five crew members of an oil tanker seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia were killed before local security forces retook the vessel, a senior regional official has told the BBC.
Puntland Deputy Information Minister Bile Qabowsade said the five were killed by pirates before regional forces boarded MT Hoarner 25.
He said the dead included three Pakistani nationals, one Indian and one national of Myanmar. Four other crew members were injured, including three Pakistanis and one Indian.
The tanker, which was carrying about 18,500 barrels of oil destined for the Somali capital, Mogadishu, was seized in April by six armed men while sailing off the coast of Somalia.
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