Pirates return to Mozambique Channel

Two new piracy attacks in the northern approaches of the Mozambique Channel have been reported by Neptune Maritime Security and by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). Both foiled attacks took place in the space of two days, on September 21 and 23. This new development indicates that pirate attack groups are extending their areas of attack further south from Somalia and Kenya. South Africa as the main economic power in the area has supported anti-piracy measures with the deployment of patrol boats. The problem was also raised at a recent summit of SADC heads of state in the Angolan capital Luanda.