EL PAIS: Red Sea crisis drives Somali pirates into the Indian Ocean
Red Sea, straits and gulfs of the Red Sea, surrounding mountains, numerous cargo ships stranded due to Middle Eastern safety concerns in the region. Image: iStock
Louis Borer, Senior Analyst at Risk Intelligence, recently shared insights with EL PAIS in an interview about the resurgence of Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean amidst the turmoil caused by disrupted maritime traffic from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
16 April 2024
The original release date of the article was on 11 April 2024, as published by EL PAIS.
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have disrupted maritime traffic, leading to a resurgence of Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean, resulting in an increase in ship boardings and hijacking attempts. Somali pirates notably hijacked the MV Ruen bulk carrier, demonstrating their return to piracy amidst the crisis.
Louis Borer of Risk Intelligence outlines two main types of pirate attacks: small-scale assaults on illegal fishing near the Somali coast and larger hijackings of merchant ships by organised and experienced pirate groups. Borer highlights the use of previously hijacked mother ships equipped with advanced weapons and navigation systems. Operation Atalanta has also pinpointed pirate camps on the Somali coast, where they detain captured ships for ransom negotiations.
The situation has prompted concerns among experts, emphasising the need for enhanced self-defence capabilities on ships, enforcement of maritime law with warships, and prosecution of attackers to combat piracy effectively.
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Read more in Spanish (paywall)
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