GAROWE (Kaab TV) – Security officials in Somalia’s Puntland state say they have intensified operations against pirate groups that have recently carried out attacks in areas under the administration.
Puntland authorities announced that several suspected pirates were arrested in the Bari region and said the individuals would be brought to justice to prevent further maritime crimes and threats to security at sea.
The Karkaar regional police command stated that it would take strict action against individuals cooperating with pirate groups.
The police also issued a stern warning to the relatives and associates of suspected pirates, saying anyone found supporting such groups would face prosecution.
Police added that most pirate attacks have targeted vessels heading toward Puntland, raising fears that some shipping companies may suspend operations in the area due to growing security concerns.
Puntland authorities vowed to combat pirate groups “on land and at sea,” accusing them of reviving attacks and kidnappings in the Red Sea.
“Hijacked vessels are often taken toward coastal areas controlled by the administration.”said the officials.
Piracy off the Somali coast has increased significantly over the past year after years of decline. Analysts attribute the resurgence to insecurity and instability along Somalia’s coastline, reduced international naval patrols, and continued illegal fishing and economic grievances among coastal communities.
Armed groups such as Al-Shabaab are also believed to be exploiting the political and economic instability. Some reports suggest Yemen’s Houthi movement has cooperated with both Al-Shabaab and pirate networks for financial gain through hijackings and to advance political objectives.
International organizations and foreign naval forces have repeatedly warned that Somali pirate groups are regrouping, particularly along Puntland’s eastern coast and in the Indian Ocean.
At the same time, attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on ships passing through the Red Sea have forced many vessels to reroute closer to Somalia’s coastline, increasing the risk of pirate attacks on commercial shipping.
There are growing concerns that unless stronger measures are taken, Somali piracy could once again become a major threat to maritime trade and regional security in the Horn of Africa.