Maritime attacks in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters near the Horn of Africa have surged, with Somali pirates seizing vessels at alarming rates reminiscent of the piracy peak in 2011. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre has issued multiple warnings, documenting four incidents in the Somali Basin in April and eight in the Gulf of Aden during May and June. Many of these assaults have occurred off Yemen’s coast, employing typical piracy tactics like skiffs approaching and firing on commercial ships.
In contrast to the Somali pirates, Houthi attacks predominantly take place in the Red Sea, utilizing longer-range weapons such as drones and missiles. The UKMTO’s advisory notes reveal that Somali pirates currently hold three vessels captured in late April and early May. As of June, four attacks have been recorded in the region, highlighting the ongoing threat to maritime security.
Recent reports detail specific incidents, including a June 17 attack where a vessel was approached and fired upon by skiffs near Yemen. On June 15, another tanker reported being targeted by armed skiffs, one of which used a rocket-propelled grenade. These incidents underline the persistent risks faced by commercial shipping in these waters, where security personnel are often deployed to counteract attacks.
Allegations have surfaced regarding potential collaboration between Somali pirates and the Iran-backed Houthi group, suggesting that pirates may be receiving advanced weaponry and technology. Reports from the UN and local intelligence indicate increasing ties between the Houthis and various extremist factions in the Horn of Africa, further complicating the region’s maritime security landscape.
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