Somalia, Turkey Forces Free Hijacked Vessel Off Puntland Coast

GOOBJOOG NEWS|PUNNTLAND: Somali and Turkish forces have freed a commercial vessel hijacked off Somalia’s Puntland coast, killing four suspected pirates and arresting 14 others, Somalia’s Ministry of Defence said on Saturday.
The MV LATUF, which was hijacked on 17 August off the coast of Eyl in Nugal region, was recovered following a joint operation involving the Somali National Army and the Turkish Naval Forces.
According to the ministry, the operation lasted 10 days and resulted in the killing of four pirates, while 14 others were arrested.
The ministry said there were no casualties among the forces involved in the operation.
Somali forces subsequently took control of the MV LATUF, which was reported to be safe and continuing its voyage.
The operation marks a significant joint security response to the resurgence of piracy concerns along Somalia’s coastline, years after international naval patrols and Somali-led efforts had substantially reduced major pirate attacks in the region.
The Somali Defence Ministry described the operation as a product of the growing defence partnership between Somalia and Turkey, particularly in protecting Somalia’s territorial waters, strengthening maritime security and combating piracy.
It also warned that piracy remains a serious criminal offence carrying severe penalties, saying authorities would investigate the suspects and prosecute anyone found to have supported or facilitated the hijacking.
The ministry praised the Somali and Turkish forces involved in the operation and said the government would continue efforts to protect Somalia’s territorial waters, fight piracy and secure maritime routes.
The successful recovery of the vessel comes as Somalia seeks to strengthen its maritime security capabilities amid renewed concerns over attacks on commercial shipping in waters off the Horn of Africa.