Two vessels hijacked in four days -- are Somali pirates making a comeback? The development has sparked international concern. On the 17th and 20th of this month, maritime agencies monitored two incidents in the Gulf of Aden in which armed men seized passing cargo ships and an oil tanker; the vessels were directed toward Somalia and the crews are suspected of being detained. Al Jazeera said Somali piracy had been largely dormant for more than a decade before a clear resurgence since April this year. Politico argued that Somali pirates are 'beneficiaries' of the U.S. war on Iran, which has tied up naval resources on all sides and created an opening for piracy. Observers worry this adds a costly new threat to an already tense global shipping situation.
The 'SIBU 1,' an oil tanker flying the Eritrean flag, was seized on the 20th in the Gulf of Aden by armed men. The UK Maritime Trade Operations said the tanker issued a distress call over VHF radio reporting an unauthorized vessel approaching. Maritime agencies confirmed six armed men boarded and took control, steering it toward Somalia. An investigation is underway and vessels in the area are advised caution. Indian media said the tanker had 20 crew, 16 of them Indian.
On the 17th, the 'LUTUF,' a cargo ship flying the Cameroonian flag, was seized off southern Mareyo, Somalia. The operator said eight armed men boarded and took control. The ship had 10 crew, six of them Indian, and was taken toward Somalia's Nugal coast.
According to the Associated Press, an unnamed Somali official said the cargo ship seized on the 17th was carrying Turkish weapons and communications equipment bound for a Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu. Turkey subsequently struck vessels suspected of being used by pirates, killing several. Local media said Turkish forces killed four suspected pirates involved in the 'LUTUF' hijacking.
Source: Global Times | Original
