Turkish, Somali forces free vessel seized by pirates in Somalia
Turkish and Somali forces have freed the MV LUTUF after pirates hijacked the vessel off the coast of Somalia. The 10-day operation killed 14 alleged pirates and destroyed four boats used by the attackers.
Turkish and Somali forces have successfully freed a hijacked vessel in Somali waters and killed 14 pirates, according to Somalia's government. The operation, which lasted a decade, saw the destruction of four pirate boats and the killing of 14 pirates, as reported by the Somali Defense Ministry. The MV LUTUF, a Cameroon-flagged vessel, was initially hijacked off the coast of the Nugaal region in Puntland state on August 17.
The joint military effort between Turkey and Somalia was executed under a defense cooperation agreement. While the ministry did not disclose any casualties or the crew's well-being, it confirmed that the MV LUTUF has been secured and is now on its way. At least eight crew members, including a Turkish national, were on board at the time of the seizure.
The Horn of Africa has witnessed a spike in piracy since April, with at least 15 attacks reported this year, five of which involved cargo ships. The recent surge in piracy is adding to the difficulties faced by international shipping in the Middle East, where vessels are already contending with threats in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
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