Suspected Somali pirates have seized a Yemeni fishing boat in the waters off the Horn of Africa, reigniting concerns over piracy in the region. The incident, which occurred near the coastal town of Eyl in Somalia, was confirmed late Monday by the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR Atalanta), which is currently investigating the attack.
The targeted vessel, a traditional dhow, was boarded by the pirates who stole three smaller boats, each equipped with 60-horsepower engines. Maritime security firm Ambrey reported the hijacking, marking a troubling resurgence of piracy in an area that had seen a significant decline in such attacks in recent years.
Piracy off the Somali coast had reached its peak in 2011, but international naval patrols, alongside a strengthening Somali government, had largely curbed the threat. However, in the past year, pirate activity has been increasing once again, in part due to regional instability exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The presence of Houthi rebels in the Red Sea corridor, and tensions stemming from the Israel-Hamas war, have contributed to the growing insecurity, providing fertile ground for pirate groups to regain momentum.
As authorities investigate the latest hijacking, the broader concerns about maritime security in the region continue to grow, particularly as pirate attacks have started to resurface with increasing frequency.
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