MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — Somali pirates have seized control of an oil tanker off the Somali coast, a development that has raised alarm bells about a resurgence of piracy in the region.
The incident marks the first hijacking in 18 months, a significant event in an area once notorious for such occurrences.
The tanker, named Honour 25, was overtaken by six gunmen while roughly 30 nautical miles offshore on Wednesday evening. It was transporting approximately 18,500 barrels of oil and was crewed by 17 individuals from various nationalities.
The vessel was boarded approximately 24 nautical miles southeast of Xaafuun (Hafun), Somalia, and is currently anchored near the Somali shore. This latest seizure is a stark reminder that the era of piracy in this region is far from over. Following international intervention post-2011, piracy had significantly diminished in this part of the Indian Ocean.
However, recent years have seen a resurgence, with fishing trawlers and container ships targeted.
The incident is expected to increase tensions and anxiety in Mogadishu, where petrol prices have soared in recent months, largely due to regional instability and the loss of the shipment.
The Somali semi — autonomous region of Puntland, from where the tanker departed, confirmed the incident.
According to the ShipAtlas website, the Honour 25 had been on its way to Mogadishu after arriving near the coast of the United Arab Emirates, shortly after the US-Israel war with Iran began.
The EU Naval Force, responsible for overseeing anti — piracy operations in Somali waters, is currently investigating the incident, with sources indicating negotiations for the crew’s release are underway.
The Honour 25’s hijacking comes amidst growing concerns about the state of security along the Somali coast, with some experts suggesting the incident could be a prelude to further assaults. Factors contributing to this rise include the redirection of naval resources and a weakened government in Mogadishu, which is currently contending with various armed groups offshore.
As the EU Naval Force delves into the investigation, there is an urgent need for sustained efforts to combat piracy.
The international community must address the root causes of piracy to safeguard maritime trade in the region.
The hijacking of the Honour 25 is not just an incident but a wake-up call to the global community. It underscores the importance of addressing the complexities of piracy and maintaining maritime security in the region to ensure a safe environment for maritime trade.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
