Somali piracy is resurging as the Iran war disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, forcing commercial vessels to reroute around Africa, CNN reported. The longer route has pushed more ships into waters near Somalia that were once notorious for hijackings.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, pirates are currently holding at least three vessels captured between April 21 and May 2. The agency warned that the piracy threat along the Somali coast remains “severe.”
Families of 10 Pakistani crew members from the Honour 25 rallied in Karachi to demand their release after more than three weeks in Somali pirate captivity.
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 14, 2026
Hijackings off the coast of Somalia are surging amid regional instability from the US-Israeli war on Iran. pic.twitter.com/XNEmv8mOzm
Experts told CNN that increased maritime traffic, weak Somali governance and shifting naval priorities have created fresh opportunities for pirate groups.
Somali lawmaker Mohamed Dini said some pirate networks may also be cooperating with Yemen’s Houthi forces.
The report noted that piracy off Somalia peaked in 2011 with 237 incidents worldwide.
European naval forces said they continue anti-piracy patrols and urged ships crossing the region to maintain heightened vigilance and report suspicious activity immediately.
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