US places Somalia on list of ports failing anti-terrorism security standards

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The United States Coast Guard has added Somalia to a list of countries whose ports are considered not to meet international anti-terrorism security requirements, triggering additional security measures for vessels travelling from Somali ports to the United States.

The decision was announced in an official notice published in the US Federal Register on October 27, 2026, following an assessment of Somalia's port security procedures.

The Coast Guard said Somalia was not currently maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures at its ports, prompting Washington to impose special security requirements on ships departing from the country and heading to US ports.

The measures are intended to strengthen maritime security and prevent potential terrorist threats from reaching American ports.

The decision was made under powers granted by the Maritime Transportation Security Act and other legislation governing port security and maritime safety.

Somalia is among 24 countries identified by the US Coast Guard as failing to maintain effective anti-terrorism security measures at their ports.

The list also includes Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela and North Korea, among other countries.

The notice states that the decision took effect on October 27, the day it was published. It was signed by Admiral Nathan A. Moore, the Coast Guard's Deputy Commandant for Operations.

The additional requirements mean vessels arriving in the United States from Somali ports will be subject to enhanced security procedures. However, the notice does not detail all the specific measures that affected ships will be required to follow.

The designation could have implications for maritime operators using Somali ports, potentially increasing security checks and compliance requirements for vessels bound for the United States.

Somalia has been working to strengthen its maritime institutions and port security as part of broader efforts to improve trade, protect its coastline and attract international investment.

The Coast Guard's assessment, however, indicates that Washington considers existing anti-terrorism safeguards at Somali ports insufficient under its maritime security standards.

GAROWE ONLINE