Armed attackers have targeted a commercial ship off the coast of Somalia, raising fresh concerns about a possible resurgence of piracy in the region after years of decline.
According to maritime security officials, the vessel sent a distress signal while sailing through the Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s busiest and most dangerous shipping lanes. Naval forces in the area responded quickly, though details about the ship’s crew and the extent of the damage remain unclear.
Authorities suspect the attackers may belong to pirate groups operating near Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northern Somalia known for previous hijacking attempts in the early 2010s.
Experts warn that the renewed attacks could threaten global trade routes, as hundreds of ships pass through the Horn of Africa every week, carrying vital goods and energy supplies.
International naval coalitions have been urged to increase patrols in the area to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-blown piracy crisis.