Puntland stated that its PMPF maritime forces carried out an operation against the tanker Honour 25, which it stated had been held by a pirate group for months off the coast of Banderbayla district in the Karkaar region.
In a statement issued by Puntland, it was noted that Puntland naval forces conducted an operation in the Dharinbaar area of Banderbayla district, where the Honour 25 was stationed.
Puntland reported that PMPF forces surrounded the vessel, indicating that the operation achieved preliminary success.
Puntland did not provide further details on how the operation unfolded or the condition of the individuals aboard the ship.
Reports concerning the incident also state that some members of the group holding the vessel disembarked yesterday following negotiations with the Puntland side.
The Honour 25 flies the flag of Palau. Businessman Osman Shire Quud, who is stated to hail from Puntland, stated that he owns the vessel, noting that the Honour 25 was transporting fuel to Mogadishu.
The tanker issue has recently been among the piracy-related incidents occurring off the coast of Somalia.
The vessel had reportedly been in the hands of the group since April, making its status and location a matter of close public attention.
The operation against the Honour 25 also comes shortly after Puntland announced days ago that it had rescued the ship SIBU 1, which had been held by a pirate group off the coast of Puntland.
The operation to rescue the SIBU 1 was participated in by Puntland security forces and members representing the ship’s owning company.
Puntland stated that the vessel was released from the grip of the group holding it, with that event becoming part of ongoing efforts to tackle piracy operating along the coast of Somalia.
The Honour 25 incident has once again renewed concerns regarding the activities of pirate groups off the Somali coast, particularly when commercial vessels are situated in areas outside major ports.
For many years, the waters off Somalia served as locations where pirate groups hijacked commercial vessels and demanded ransom payments.
Although attacks of this nature have decreased compared to peak piracy years, new incidents occasionally re-emerge along the country’s coast.
Puntland has long played a prominent role in anti-piracy operations, especially those occurring along Puntland’s coastline.
PMPF forces have previously participated in operations tracking down pirate groups and rescuing vessels held captive in regional waters.
Thus far, details concerning the operation against the Honour 25 are largely based on Puntland’s official statement and related reports.
The casualties resulting from the operation, the exact number of people aboard the ship, and the next steps regarding the vessel and the members of the group accused of holding it remain unclear.
Further details regarding the final outcome of the operation and the condition of the Honour 25 are also still awaited.