The hijacking of the fishing vessel named Azini, reportedly owned by Iran, has revived concerns regarding the security of the Somali coast and the potential resurgence of pirate groups operating off the country’s shores.
The vessel was reportedly hijacked by an armed group of 12 men on October 29, 2026. Boarding the ship were 23 crew members, 21 of whom were Iranian nationals, while the remaining two were Somalis working as security guards on board.
This hijacking holds particular significance as it coincides with Puntland’s recent assertion that it had eradicated pirate groups operating off its coastal areas.
However, this incident could raise questions concerning maritime security standards and the capacity of security agencies to prevent such actions.
**Hijacking of the Vessel Azini Sparks Concerns Over Puntland Coastal Security**
The Iranian-owned fishing vessel Azini was reportedly hijacked by an armed group on October 29, 2026, while located in Somali waters, specifically off the country’s northeastern coast.
Available reports state that the hijacking team comprised 12 armed men. The vessel carried a crew of 23 individuals, including 21 Iranian citizens and two Somalis serving as onboard security guards.
Details regarding the crew composition and the size of the hijacking team were published by media outlets citing the Puntland Post.
A report released by the Maritime Security Centre – Indian Ocean (MSCIO) confirmed the reported hijacking of the vessel Azini, noting that the incident occurred at approximately 9:00 AM UTC on October 29.
The center also stated that the last registered coordinates of the vessel were 9°42′N, 53°55′E, logged at 4:00 AM on October 30. These coordinates do not represent the current position of the vessel.
The MSCIO report stated that official verified data regarding the condition of the crew remains unavailable.
Concerns also persist that the vessel could be converted into a mothership platform for launching further attacks in Somali waters, although such operational deployment has not been officially confirmed.
The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA is reportedly investigating the incident.
Field reports further indicate that the vessel Azini held a valid fishing license issued by Puntland and was represented by a local Puntland businessman.
If confirmed, this raises questions regarding the vessel’s operational management, its fishing activities, and its commercial linkages within the regional maritime sector.
The hijacking occurs amidst recent claims by the Puntland administration that it had executed security measures to eliminate active pirate elements along its coast.
Nevertheless, the Azini incident demonstrates that maritime security challenges persist within Somali waters and that armed groups retain the operational capability to target vessels operating in the region.
Multiple maritime hijacking incidents have been reported along the Puntland coast in 2026.
A study published in September by the RUSI research institute noted that pirate attacks off the Somali coast have increased this year, although incident levels have not yet matched the peak period of Somali piracy observed between 2005 and 2011.
The resurgence of such acts could impact the confidence of shipping and fishing companies utilizing Somali waters.
It may also elevate maritime security expenditures, hull and war-risk insurance premiums, and the operational necessity for enhanced coastal protection.
Furthermore, if confirmed that the vessel Azini could be utilized as a mothership to stage subsequent attacks, the threat profile for commercial and fishing vessels transiting regional waters will increase significantly.
Resolving this requires close coordination between Somali maritime security agencies and international naval forces to monitor the situation and secure the safe release of the crew.
To date, published data has not verified the vessel’s current position, the physical status of the 23 crew members, or whether negotiations for their release have commenced.
Neither the identity of the perpetrators nor the primary objective of the armed group has been officially disclosed.
The Azini incident highlights the critical necessity for a sustained approach to Somali coastal security, emphasizing robust vessel protection, anti-piracy enforcement, and institutional maritime security cooperation.