Somali pirates extend grip with possible partnership with Al-Shabaab, seizing second ship

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Somali pirates extend grip with possible partnership with Al-Shabaab, seizing second ship

GALKAYO (HORN OBSERVER) – Heavily armed Somali pirates have successfully hijacked their second vessel within weeks, this time off the waters near Yemen's Socotra Island.

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Vessels seen from a distance near Eyl in Nugaal region, Puntland State of Somalia. | PHOTO/FILE.

GALKAYO (HORN OBSERVER) – Heavily armed Somali pirates have successfully hijacked their second vessel within weeks, this time off the waters near Yemen's Socotra Island.

Security sources in northeastern Somalia report that the pirates are currently steering the seized vessel towards Eyl, a small fishing town in the Nuugaal region of Puntland.

Puntland security officer, Abdiqani Diriye, revealed that these pirates, wielding advanced weaponry, have established control over coastal areas through a troubling collaboration with arms dealers.

"The pirates have grown more formidable than ever before. The source of funding for their new weapons remains uncertain, but there are suspicions that it could involve financial backing from terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab or ISIS,” he remarked.

Despite past efforts by Puntland security forces to combat terrorist groups in mountainous Bari region, the militias have not only persisted but grown stronger, hinting at a shifting power dynamic in the region.

Al-Shabaab, known for expanding its extortion operations across Somalia, is suspected to be negotiating with pirates and Houthi militia in Yemen, involving weapons procurement and other criminal activities.

A security official based in central Somalia further implicates powerful clan militia groups in arms trafficking from Yemen to Somalia.

According to Diriye, Al-Shabaab aims to boost its financial resources by escalating hijackings in the sea. He cited an anti-Israeli sentiment as a significant motivator, especially since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza.

The pirates, operating in the Bari region, currently hold another vessel, the Malta-flagged M.V Ruen, hijacked on December 19 while sailing off the Somali coast.

Ahmed Yasin, Puntland’s Minister of Ports, disclosed that the pirates breached Puntland waters last week and have permitted the release of an injured crew member who is now receiving medical treatment.

"The reports we have is that the pirates allowed to release one of the crew members who was injured. He is currently receiving treatment,” stated Minister Yasin.

Witnesses in Bareeda, a town on the Red Sea coast of Puntland, report that the vessel is held approximately 100 miles from the coast by heavily armed men. Authorities suspect the pirates utilized an Iranian fishing vessel for the hijacking, navigating from Qandala into the Red Sea and then to the Indian Ocean before returning to the Puntland coast.

While the exact number of crew members is unknown, it is confirmed that at least half of them are Bulgarian seafarers, heightening concerns about the safety and security of those on board.