Somali pirates are increasingly targeting cargo ships and smaller vessels off the Horn of Africa, marking a surge in attacks not witnessed in over a decade. The rise in hijackings is linked to regional tensions, including disruptions from the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and renewed political instability in Somalia. Recent incidents include an oil tanker with Iranian connections and a Cameroon-flagged ship carrying military supplies for Turkey. Analysts warn of broader shipping industry risks as pirate activity intensifies.
US-Israel war on Iran and political instability in Somalia lead to pirates targeting cargo ships off Horn of AfricaThe scourge of Somali piracy targeting cargo ships and smaller dhows off the Horn of Africa has returned to levels not seen in a decade, driven by a convergence of factors including disruptions to the shipping industry caused by the US-Israeli war against Iran and a resurgence of political instability in Somalia.Since late April there have been eight hijackings by Somali pirates, including two within the space of a fortnight in August: one targeting an oil tanker with ties to Iran, the other a Cameroon-flagged vessel, the Lutuf, carrying military equipment for Turkey. Continue reading...
