MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The European Union Naval Force has stated that the ongoing conflict in Iran is contributing to a new surge in piracy off the coast of Somalia, raising serious concerns about the security of one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.

According to the report, at least three pirate attacks were confirmed in the past week. These incidents resulted in the seizure of two cargo vessels and one oil tanker.

Data released by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) indicated that the attacks occurred near Eyl, Mareero, and Garacad in Somalia’s Puntland region.

These areas were previously known as major hubs of Somali piracy in the late 2000s.

EU officials said the renewed increase is linked to instability in the region, initially triggered by Houthi attacks in Yemen and further intensified by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The EU Naval Operation off the Somali coast also noted that another contributing factor is the lack of a strong Somali naval presence.

“This situation shows that military focus has shifted away from the area, giving pirates an opportunity to act,” the EU mission said in a statement.

Illegal fishing has also been identified as a factor fueling the growing threat.

The International Maritime Organization previously warned that “the capability and intent of Somali pirate networks still exist,” posing a continued risk to global shipping lanes.

Despite the recent rise in attacks, the European Union stated that piracy is currently “contained rather than eradicated,” adding that the situation is not comparable to the peak levels seen in the 2010s.