MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali pirates have hijacked at least three vessels in the past 10 days, reigniting fears of a resurgence in piracy activity after a decade-long lull.
The recent hijackings, including the seizure of the oil tanker “The Honour 25, “are attributed to the redirection of international naval forces and increased maritime traffic in the region.
The redirection of international naval forces, particularly those that had been patrolling Somali waters, is believed to have created a security vacuum, allowing pirates to exploit the situation.
The surge in maritime traffic, particularly around the Horn of Africa, has further provided opportunities for pirates to launch attacks. Officials commented on the matter. “.
The MSCIO has advised ships to exercise caution within 150 nautical miles of the Somali coast between Mogadishu and Hafun on the Indian Ocean.
The resurgence of piracy is also linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has seen naval forces being diverted to address the situation. This has left a void in the protection of shipping lanes off the Somali coast, where pirates have historically operated.
The rise in piracy activity has been further compounded by the economic despair in the region, with many Somalis turning to piracy as a means to survive.
The situation underscores the complex security challenges in the region and the need for a coordinated international response to ensure maritime security.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: rfi
Source: Anne-Marie Bissada
