Turkish and Somali forces have freed the hijacked MV LATUF after a 10-day operation in Somali waters that left 14 pirates dead and four boats destroyed
Turkey’s navy and Somali armed forces have freed a hijacked vessel in Somali waters after a battle with pirates lasting several days, killing 14 pirates during the operation, Somalia’s government said on Saturday.
The operation comes as piracy resurges off the Horn of Africa. Figures from the International Maritime Organization show at least 15 attacks off Somalia this year, the highest number since 2013.
“During the ten-day operation, four boats used by the pirates were destroyed and 14 pirates were killed,” Somalia’s defence ministry said in a statement.
“The sustained military pressure finally forced the remaining pirates to abandon the ship,” it added.
“The forces subsequently secured the MV LATUF, which has now safely resumed its journey.”
Crew members reported aboard
Sources in Puntland said at least eight crew members were aboard the vessel, including one Turkish national, according to AFP.
Marine Traffic data showed that the vessel operates under a Cameroonian flag and left Turkey in late July, bound for the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam.
International media reports said the vessel was carrying Turkish weapons.
Piracy resurges off Somalia
The joint Turkey-Somalia operation took place under a defence cooperation agreement between the two countries.
Piracy was widespread off Somalia during the 2000s, reaching a peak in 2011 before international naval deployments and additional security measures for commercial shipping helped bring attacks under control.
However, piracy has increased again since April. At least five cargo ships have been held hostage, with the latest vessel seized on August 20 off Yemen.
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