At least seven people were reportedly killed in an airstrike targeting a small boat near the coastal area of Argeegto, between Jiifle and Dhinowda-Dhigdhig in Puntland’s Nugaal region, according to preliminary reports from local sources.
The strike comes amid heightened tensions along Puntland’s coastline following the hijacking of the cargo vessel M/V LUTUF, which was seized by armed men off the Somali coast on August 17.
Local reports indicate the airstrike targeted a small vessel carrying armed men believed to have been heading toward the area where the hijacked ship is currently being held.
Sources said the group consisted of around ten individuals, with several reported killed and wounded in the attack.
M/V LUTUF, sailing under the Cameroon flag, was reportedly commandeered by eight armed men.
Somali and international media reports have claimed the vessel was carrying weapons and communications equipment allegedly destined for a Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu.
The ship’s crew reportedly includes six Indian nationals, one Turkish citizen, one Georgian national, and two Serbian security guards.
The latest strike follows an earlier airstrike in the Garmaal area of Nugaal, where conflicting accounts emerged over the identities of those killed.
Some reports linked the victims to the LUTUF hijacking network, while local residents and relatives insisted they were fishermen.
Turkey is reported to be closely monitoring developments surrounding the hijacked vessel.
Previous reports indicated that Turkish naval assets, drones, and helicopters had been operating near the area, although Ankara has not officially confirmed involvement in any airstrikes.
The incident comes as Puntland authorities raise concerns over a resurgence of piracy along Somalia’s coastline.
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni recently warned that pirate activities threaten both the region’s security and international reputation.
With several vessel hijackings reported in Somali waters and the Gulf of Aden this year, attention remains focused on the Nugaal coastline and the fate of the hijacked M/V LUTUF.