Five foreign crew members were killed aboard the tanker MT Honour 25 after pirates violently seized control of the vessel, according to Puntland authorities.
The slain crew members hailed from Pakistan, Myanmar, and India. Puntland stated that three of the deceased were Pakistani nationals, one was from Myanmar, and the fifth was an Indian citizen.
This tragic incident occurred prior to the commencement of the rescue operation launched by the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) to liberate the ship and its remaining crew. Puntland officials confirmed that the operation concluded within a short timeframe, successfully wresting control of the vessel back from the pirates.
The MT Honour 25 is currently secured under the control of PMPF forces, with Puntland confirming that its security status has been fully stabilized following the intervention.
In addition to the five crew members killed during the attack, four others sustained injuries. Puntland reported that three of the wounded are Pakistani nationals, while the fourth is from India.
The Puntland forces’ operation also resulted in the capture of 16 individuals accused of belonging to the pirate gang that hijacked the vessel. Authorities noted that other members of the group managed to flee the scene, and security forces are actively pursuing them.
Puntland officials stated they possess intelligence regarding the whereabouts of the fugitive suspects, as ongoing operations continue to apprehend those at large.
The Puntland administration stated that anti-piracy operations will continue, with maritime security forces remaining on high alert along the coastlines and areas suspected of harboring active pirate networks.
Puntland also emphasized that anyone found to have been involved in the hijacking of the vessel and acts of piracy will face strict legal action.
The incident involving the MT Honour 25 highlights the persistent dangers still present along Somali waters, particularly as armed groups attempt to seize control of vessels navigating through Somali maritime routes.
Puntland forces noted that these maritime security operations form an essential part of broader efforts to thwart piracy and other illegal activities that threaten ships and crews engaged in maritime transit.
To date, Puntland confirmed that the MT Honour 25 remains safely under the control of PMPF forces, while security units press on with the manhunt for the escaped pirates.
The administration reiterated that the campaign against piracy will continue unabated, and individuals implicated in such crimes will be brought to justice.