Pirates return to Somalia’s dangerous waters
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Staff Reporter GAROWE ONLINE
- Posted On 24-10-2024, 09:40PM
NAIROBI, Kenya - The notorious pirates may have made a dramatic return to Somalia waters, multiple sources have confirmed, following five months of relative stability, coupled with a concerted effort from security forces targeting culprits.
This week, the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), operating under Operation ATALANTA, has raised an alert following the departure of a suspected pirate action group (PAG) from Somalia’s northern-central coast.
The warning signal showcases the possible resurgence of pirates in the Somali waters, particularly along the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. The pirates take advantage of the lack of highly trained coast guards and maritime police in Somalia.
According to a report by the Maritime Security Centre- Horn of Africa (MSCHoA), the PAG, consisting of 13 armed pirates, left Ceel Huur near Hobyo and is heading toward the Indian Ocean. There is little presence of security officers in Somalia.
“All vessels are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity,” the agency urged, reigniting fears of another wave of hijackings and attacks.
Somalia experienced its last significant pirate activity on June 7th, 2024, when the Marshall Islands-flagged Pacific Honor was approached by a suspicious vessel. Although nobody was injured in the incident, the pirates were presumably sending a message about their presence within the area.
Martin Kelly, head of advisory at EOS Risk Group, explains the timing: “With the end of the monsoon season, weather conditions have improved. This allows pirates to resume operations, and we’ve been warning clients of the increased risk.”
Somali piracy has remained active for the last three decades despite the global incidents drop. The tactics of modern-day piracy have become sophisticated with the organisers relying on commandeer dhows and fishing vessels away from the traditional small boats.
It is estimated that piracy costs Somalia billions of dollars annually but the international community is increasingly investing in training and equipping of maritime security forces, who will be tasked to guard the 3,333KM coastline.
GAROWE ONLINE
