Somali Pirates Likely to Resume Operations in Indian Ocean

International shipping has been cautioned about a potential resurgence of Somali piracy in the Indian Ocean.

Following the end of monsoon season, reports indicate that 13 armed pirates have departed from Ceel Huur, near Hobyo, and are now operating in the Indian Ocean. Both the European Union's naval force in the region and security experts from EOS Risk Group have confirmed this, marking the first known pirate boat to set sail since early June.

"All vessels are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity," the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) announced yesterday.

Somali piracy had been largely dormant for several years until the hijacking of the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Almeraj 1 late last year, which saw a resurgence in pirate activity.

Additionally, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) reported an incident involving the Chinese-flagged bulk carrier Huan Hang 99, which was approached yesterday by five small vessels south of Aden. The ship’s onboard security team fired warning shots, though it remains unclear whether the vessels originated from Yemen or Somalia.