Somalia: Puntland says Somali officials phoned pirates, facilitated ransom for hijacked MV LUTUF ship

GAROWE, Somalia — The Ministry of Security of Puntland state has said it closely monitored telephone communications between senior Somali Federal Government officials and the pirates who hijacked the cargo vessel MV LUTUF.

Puntland officials accused federal figures of acting as intermediaries to facilitate a ransom payment to secure the ship’s release. However, the ministry did not publicly name the officials involved nor release audio recordings or independent evidence to substantiate its allegations.

Earlier reports indicated that the pirates had demanded roughly $2 million to free the vessel. At the time of the demand, it remained unclear whether formal negotiations had begun or who had agreed to pay the ransom.

Puntland security officials condemned the alleged ransom payment as a "serious mistake," warning that financial payouts incentivize further hijackings and undermine international counter-piracy efforts.

Armed pirates hijacked the MV LUTUF on August 17 off the coast of Puntland. The pirates left the ship after taking the ransom, according to local security officials, who spoke to Garowe Online by phone.

According to a Somali official, the vessel was transporting Turkish military supplies, communications gear, and satellite systems bound for the TURKSOM military base in Mogadishu.

The hijacked vessel carried a 10-member crew comprising six Indian nationals, one Turkish citizen, one Georgian national, and two Serbian security guards.

GAROWE ONLINE