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In a resurgence of pirate activity off the coast of Somalia, Seychelles forces successfully rescued a Sri Lankan fishing boat while the Indian Navy freed an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, both hijacked by Somali pirates.

The hijackings, described as “armed Somali pirates” attacks, have heightened security concerns in regional waters. These incidents coincide with the ongoing war in Gaza and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels’ campaign targeting ships in the Red Sea.

The Seychelles presidency commended its special forces for their bravery in taking control of the hijacked Sri Lankan vessel and rescuing the crew. Sri Lanka had previously reported discussions with Somali authorities regarding the missing fishing vessel and its six crew members.

The hijacking of the Sri Lankan vessel occurred in international waters, with armed men firing shots to ward off nearby fishing boats before taking control of the trawler.

The Iranian vessel:
Indian Navy spokesman Commander Vivek Madhwal confirmed the liberation of the Iranian vessel, noting the crew had been held hostage by pirates. According to officials, the resurgence of Somali pirate activities, a decade after causing chaos in international shipping, poses a renewed threat to maritime security.

The international community, including naval forces previously patrolling the Gulf of Aden, has shifted focus to the Red Sea in response to Houthi attacks, potentially leaving a void for Somali pirates to exploit. This shift has led to concerns that piracy off the Somali coast, which had seen a decline in recent years, may again become a significant threat to international shipping.