Suspected Somali Pirates Hijack Yemeni Fishing Boat, Escalating Regional Threat

Suspected Somali pirates have hijacked a Yemeni-flagged fishing vessel off the Puntland region of Somalia, marking the third such incident in recent weeks. The European Union's anti-piracy naval force, EUNAVFOR Atalanta, reported that seven armed men seized the boat, holding eight Somali crew members hostage. This surge in piracy activity has been noted since late 2023, attributed to growing insecurity exacerbated by regional conflicts, including tensions related to Yemen's Houthi rebels. Previous hijackings included the Yemeni dhow Saytuun-2 and the Al Najma, both of which were freed following international naval interventions. Maritime security experts warn that hijacked vessels are often repurposed as 'mother ships' for broader piracy operations. EUNAVFOR has called for increased vigilance among vessels operating in these waters, urging them to register with the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean for enhanced monitoring.