Armed Pirates Hijack Fuel Tanker Near Somali Coast

GOOBJOOG NEWS| BARI: Security reports confirmed by multiple sources say an armed pirate group has hijacked a fuel tanker sailing near the coast of Somalia.

The vessel, identified as Honour 25, was reportedly seized while operating about 30 nautical miles off the Somali shoreline.

According to security sources, six armed men launched a sudden assault on the ship and took control of it.

The tanker was carrying nearly 18,500 barrels of fuel and had a crew of 17 nationals from several countries, including Pakistan, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

Reports indicate the ship is currently being held near waters between the fishing towns of Xaafuun and Bandar Beyla in Somalia’s Bari region.

Sources also said five more armed men later joined the original hijacking group, raising the number of pirates aboard the vessel.

The incident comes despite a sharp decline in Somali piracy since 2011 following coordinated international naval operations in the region.

However, attacks on vessels have shown signs of resurgence over the past three years, particularly targeting fishing boats and cargo ships operating in the western Indian Ocean.