Turkish and Somali Forces Free Hijacked Cargo Ship and Kill 14 Pirates After 10-Day Operation
- Turkish naval forces and the Somali National Armed Forces freed a hijacked Cameroon-flagged cargo vessel, the MV Latuf, after a 10-day military operation that left 14 alleged pirates...
- The MV Latuf was originally seized on August 17 by pirates operating off Jifle, near the town of Eyl in Somalia's northeastern Nugaal region, according to a written...
- The rescue mission was carried out under an existing bilateral defense cooperation agreement between Turkey and Somalia, according to official statements.
Turkish naval forces and the Somali National Armed Forces freed a hijacked Cameroon-flagged cargo vessel, the MV Latuf, after a 10-day military operation that left 14 alleged pirates dead, according to Somalia’s Ministry of Defence. The joint rescue operation concluded when sustained military pressure forced remaining hijackers to abandon the ship off the northeastern coast of Puntland state.
Joint Operation and Vessel Recovery
The MV Latuf was originally seized on August 17 by pirates operating off Jifle, near the town of Eyl in Somalia’s northeastern Nugaal region, according to a written statement from Somalia’s Ministry of Defence. During the 10-day rescue effort, security forces destroyed four boats used by the attackers. The operation ended when sustained security pressure compelled the remaining hijackers to abandon the vessel. Somali defense officials confirmed that military units subsequently secured the cargo ship, allowing it to safely resume its voyage. While the ministry did not disclose detailed information regarding the exact cargo or the destination of the vessel, news agency sources indicated that at least eight crew members were on board, including one Turkish national.
Defense Cooperation Between Turkey and Somalia
The rescue mission was carried out under an existing bilateral defense cooperation agreement between Turkey and Somalia, according to official statements. The framework stems from a Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement signed in February 2024, which expanded joint efforts to secure Somalia’s coastline, safeguard maritime jurisdiction areas, and combat illegal activities at sea. Somalia’s Ministry of Defence praised the cooperation between the Somali National Armed Forces and the Turkish Navy, reiterating its commitment to protecting territorial waters and ensuring the safety of international commercial shipping. The ministry also warned that piracy remains a serious offense carrying heavy penalties, stating that anyone involved in or facilitating such acts will be brought to justice.
Regional Resurgence of Maritime Piracy
The hijacking highlights a broader resurgence of maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia. According to figures from the International Maritime Organization, the Horn of Africa has recorded at least 15 pirate attacks this year, representing the highest frequency of such incidents since 2013. At least five cargo ships have been held hostage during these recent attacks. Somali piracy previously reached a peak in 2011 before international naval deployments and onboard security measures sharply curtailed the activity. The recent maritime security challenges in the Horn of Africa coincide with wider disruptions to international shipping in the Middle East, where commercial vessels navigate around the Strait of Hormuz and attempt to avoid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
