Somali pirates are once again targeting cargo ships and smaller dhows off the Horn of Africa, reaching levels not seen in a decade amid regional conflict and political instability in Somalia.
Key facts
- Somali piracy has returned to levels not seen in a decade, according to the Guardian.
- There have been eight hijackings by Somali pirates since late April.
- Two hijackings occurred within a fortnight in August.
- One August target was an oil tanker with ties to Iran; another was the Cameroon-flagged Lutuf carrying military equipment for Turkey.
- The resurgence is linked to the US-Israeli war against Iran and renewed political instability in Somalia.
The threat of Somali piracy targeting cargo ships and smaller dhows off the Horn of Africa has returned to levels not seen in a decade, according to the Guardian. The outlet reports that the resurgence has been driven by a convergence of factors, including disruptions to the shipping industry and political turmoil in the region.
Among the factors cited is the US-Israeli war against Iran, which has disrupted the shipping industry, as well as a resurgence of political instability in Somalia. Together, the Guardian reports, these conditions have created an environment in which pirates have been able to operate more freely.
Since late April, there have been eight hijackings by Somali pirates, the Guardian reports. The pace of attacks intensified in August, when two hijackings occurred within the space of a fortnight.
One of those August incidents targeted an oil tanker with ties to Iran. The other targeted the Cameroon-flagged vessel Lutuf, which was carrying military equipment for Turkey, according to the Guardian.
Why it matters
A rise in piracy off the Horn of Africa raises risks and costs for shipping in the region. According to the Guardian, the resurgence also illustrates how regional conflict and political instability can spill over into maritime security.
Frequently asked questions
How many hijackings have Somali pirates carried out recently?
According to the Guardian, there have been eight hijackings by Somali pirates since late April, including two within a fortnight in August.
What ships were targeted in August?
One August hijacking targeted an oil tanker with ties to Iran, and another targeted the Cameroon-flagged vessel Lutuf, which was carrying military equipment for Turkey.
Why has Somali piracy returned?
The Guardian attributes the resurgence to a convergence of factors, including shipping disruptions from the US-Israeli war against Iran and renewed political instability in Somalia.