1 week ago
Somali Pirates See Decade-High Resurgence Amid Houthi Cooperation
Somali pirates are attacking ships again more often than they have in many years.
The article says there were at least 17 piracy-related incidents in five months.
More than 100 sailors were taken hostage, including at least 22 Indians.
Two ships were hijacked near Yemen and Somalia.
Some ships were reportedly directed toward Somalia through Yemeni waters.
The Houthis, a group based in Yemen, appear to be helping the pirates in some cases.
The pirates can seek ransoms, while the Houthis can disrupt shipping.
The wider war and unsafe conditions at sea may be making this cooperation easier.
A maritime-security expert said the attacks may be receiving less attention because the whole region is already facing serious security problems.
Somali piracy has reportedly reached its biggest resurgence in more than a decade.
At least 17 piracy-related incidents occurred over five months, involving more than 100 hostages, including at least 22 Indians.
Two ships were hijacked off Yemen and Somalia and reportedly taken toward the Somali coast.
The Houthis appear to be cooperating with Somali pirates by allowing transit through Yemeni waters and, at times, providing technology or military support.
Analysts say regional maritime-security disruptions and high fuel prices may be creating opportunities for both groups.
- Who
- Somali pirates and Yemen-based Houthis are identified as the main actors; more than 100 sailors were reportedly taken hostage, including at least 22 Indians.
- What
- At least 17 piracy-related incidents, including the hijacking of two ships, have been reported alongside apparent cooperation between the pirates and Houthis.
- Where
- The reported hijackings occurred off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia, with vessels routed through Yemeni waters toward Somalia.
- When
- The incidents occurred over the past five months; the article also refers to cooperation emerging after the outbreak of the war in West Asia.
- Why
- The article says pirates may gain ransom opportunities while the Houthis can disrupt international shipping; high fuel prices and regional maritime insecurity may also be contributing.
Key facts
- Reported incidents
- At least 17 piracy-related incidents over five months
- Hostages
- More than 100 sailors reportedly taken hostage
- Indian sailors
- At least 22 Indians were among those taken hostage
- Hijacked ships
- Two ships were hijacked off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia
- Reported cooperation
- The Houthis appear to have helped Somali pirates use Yemeni waters and, at times, provided technology or military backup
- Expert cited
- Ian Ralby of Auxilium Worldwide said the attacks may be going unnoticed amid wider regional maritime insecurity
Quotes
Ian Ralby
Head of the maritime governance nonprofit Auxilium Worldwide
“The most frequent successful spate of piracy attacks in almost a decade and a half are going virtually unnoticed on account of just how bad the maritime security picture is in the wider region.”
firstpost.com
Sources
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