미-이란 전쟁 틈타 소말리아 해적 활개…나흘 새 선박 2척 납치

North Korean tensions are increasing tensions among Somali pirates, who have recently seized two ships in a single week. According to the New York Times, pirates off the coast of Yemen captured a cargo ship believed to be linked to Iran. The captured vessel, named 'Shub 1,' was reportedly carrying fuel to the Ras Isa terminal in Yemen, controlled by a pro-Iranian group.

This marks the second ship seized by Somali pirates in three days. The head of the Gulf of Aden port in the autonomous region of Puntland, Agus Ali, reported that a tanker carrying weapons from Syria was hijacked in the northern part of Somali waters. Experts are concerned that factors such as the war in Yemen, economic hardship among local fishermen, and competition in the region are contributing to the resurgence of piracy.

So far this year, at least 17 piracy incidents have been recorded in Somali waters and the Red Sea. The kidnapped crew members are being held as hostages on board the two seized ships. The pirates have seized six ships in total, including the two captured this week. The U.S.-led coalition in the Gulf of Hormuz and the Red Sea has seen a rise in naval blockades and skirmishes, leading to a surge in piracy and ransom demands.

The International Maritime Organization World and Wide (Auxilium Worldwide) reported that piracy attacks are becoming more frequent again for the first time in 15 years, but the broader maritime security situation is so severe that the incidents are not receiving enough attention. Somali pirates were active from 2005 to 2010, but their activities dwindled after 2012 due to international efforts to combat piracy, including UN resolutions and joint operations by NATO, the European Union, and other organizations.

The Korean government has been responding to piracy by deploying maritime patrol units to the Gulf of Aden since 2009.