Turkiye, Somalia Forces Rescue Cargo Ship from Pirates

Turkish and Somali security forces have rescued a cargo vessel that was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region.

Somalia’s Ministry of Defence said that 14 pirates were killed during a 10-day operation to free the Cameroon-flagged MV Latuf. Four pirate boats were also destroyed.

According to the ministry, continued military pressure forced the remaining pirates to abandon the vessel, allowing the forces to regain control of the ship and free its crew.

The operation was carried out under a defence cooperation agreement between Somalia and Turkiye, which aims to strengthen maritime security, protect Somalia’s coastline and combat piracy.

Authorities did not provide further details about possible casualties among the crew.

The MV Latuf departed Türkiye’s Port of Tekirdag in late July and was hijacked on August 17 in waters off Puntland’s Nugal region. The vessel has reportedly resumed its journey towards Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Piracy off Somalia was once widespread, particularly during the 2000s, reaching its peak in 2011. International naval operations and stronger security measures later helped reduce attacks.

However, piracy has increased again in recent months. According to the International Maritime Organization, at least 15 pirate attacks have been recorded off Somalia this year, the highest number since 2013. At least five cargo ships have reportedly been held hostage.

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