Pirates attack 13 vessels in 2026 so far: Here's why Somali piracy is making a comeback
Somali piracy is resurging after years of relative calm, with at least 13 commercial vessels attacked or targeted in 2026. Six ships have been seized since April, while experts cite unresolved conditions in Somalia and the US-Iran war as possible factors behind the renewed threat.
Somali piracy has seen a resurgence in 2026, with 13 vessels attacked or targeted, marking a stark contrast to the significant decline in piracy in recent years. The latest victim was an oil tanker, Sibu 1, seized off the coast of Yemen on 20 August. This marked a shift from the relative calm of recent years. The resurgence is attributed to the underlying economic and security problems in Somalia, the impact of the US-Iran war, and the diversion of naval assets from anti-piracy operations to counter threats from Iran and its Houthi allies in Yemen. Experts warn that the unresolved issues in Somalia could lead to piracy resurfacing at any time.
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