Piracy incidents have increased off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden with several vessels hijacked or targeted during 2026.
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) says two dhows and two vessels were hijacked in the region this year. Another two vessels were targeted in attempted boardings or attacks involving gunfire.
The incidents demonstrate the continued ability of Somali pirates to target vessels in and off Somalia, the IMB states.
Pirates operating in the region are generally armed with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. They sometimes use skiffs launched from motherships, which may be hijacked fishing vessels or dhows.
According to the IMB, vessels were previously targeted more than 1 000 nautical miles from the Somali coast.
The IMB has advised shipowners and masters to remain vigilant, maintain strict anti-piracy watches and follow the latest maritime security best management practices when transiting the region.
Vessels should be hardened before entering the affected waters and maintain continuous visual and radar watches, the IMB advises.
Early detection of an approaching skiff allows the master to assess the threat, take evasive action and request assistance where necessary.
The Guardian reported on Tuesday, September 8, that recent incidents include attacks on an Iranian-linked oil tanker and the Cameroon-flagged Lutuf carrying military equipment for Türkiye.
According to the publication, Lutuf was released by a joint Turkish-Somali operation and a ransom of US$2.5 million was paid.
A previously hijacked cement carrier, MV Sward, was used as a mothership during the attack on the Lutuf when eight armed men allegedly boarded the vessel from the Sward, The Guardian reported.
Pirate groups have also begun using satellite internet services to track potential targets and communicate, according to officials quoted in the report.
UK Maritime Trade Operations operates a voluntary reporting scheme covering the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea. The scheme provides maritime security information and anti-piracy support to vessels operating in the region.
The Combined Maritime Forces counter-piracy unit, CTF 151, works with the European Union Naval Force and independently deployed warships to patrol the internationally recommended transit corridor through the Gulf of Aden.
CTF 151 says piracy-related incidents have re-emerged in the region since November 2023.
