Instability and war in the Middle East have led to a resurgence of Somali pirates. In April, an attack on the Honour 25 tanker resulted in the kidnapping of 17 crew members. The security vacuum in the region poses a significant threat to global shipping.

On April 2, Indonesian captain Ashari Samadikun, who had narrowly escaped attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, became the target of pirates off the coast of Somalia.

The father of two tried to calm his family on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, during phone calls, claiming he was transporting oil on behalf of the government, saying, 'With God's permission, nothing will happen.'

However, in a voice message sent to his wife on April 21, he only said:

'My ship is under attack by pirates.'

Oil Tanker Hijacked

Armed with AK-47s and RPGs, pirates attacked the commercial oil tanker Honour 25, which was en route to Mogadishu. The 17 crew members and 18,500 barrels of oil were taken hostage.

Experts believe this incident is a sign of the resurgence of Somali piracy, which once posed a significant threat in the Horn of Africa.

The captain's wife, Santi, explained that the crew did not realize they were surrounded until the pirates boarded the ship. According to Santi, Ashari Samadikun told the attackers, 'Do not shoot me, I am also a Muslim.'

It was later reported that all crew members were gathered together and their phones were confiscated.

Three Ships Captured Simultaneously

Within two weeks following the hijacking of Honour 25, the cement-carrying ship Sward and the UAE-connected Eureka oil tanker also fell into the hands of pirates.

The ships were taken to the semi-autonomous Puntland region, known as the piracy hub of Somalia.

For the first time in over a decade, during which international naval forces had largely suppressed the threat, Somali pirate groups managed to capture three commercial ships simultaneously. Among the hostages are citizens of Egypt, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Syria.

The European Union Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR) stated in a comment to the BBC that 'Pirate groups may see the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz as an opportunity to restart their illegal activities.'

'It Could Be a Catastrophe for Global Shipping'

Sofia Galani, an advisor from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), stated that the resurgence of Somali piracy could have serious consequences for global maritime trade.

According to Galani, pirate attacks combined with the threats posed by the Houthis in the Red Sea and risks around the Strait of Hormuz are making a wide area from the Arabian Sea to the Horn of Africa dangerous.

Experts indicate that this will increase insurance costs and shipping fees, ultimately reflecting on global product prices.

The Rise and Fall of Somali Piracy

Somalia's long coastline gained global attention for piracy activities in the 2000s.

An economic crisis arose when foreign fishing boats threatened the livelihoods of local communities, paving the way for criminal organizations to gain support in the region.

According to data from the International Maritime Bureau, attacks peaked in 2011 with 237 incidents. During the same period, Somali pirates held 32 ships and 736 individuals hostage.

According to the World Bank, the total ransom amount obtained by pirates between 2005 and 2012 reached $413 million. The annual cost of the problem to the global economy is estimated to be around $18 billion.

Omar Mahmood, an analyst from the International Crisis Group, noted that pirate groups have never completely disappeared, stating, 'The main factor that stopped them was the patrol activities of international navies.'

Allegations of Houthi Connections

The recent increase in attacks has also raised the possibility of collaboration between the Houthis in Yemen and Somali pirates.

The MT Eureka tanker was hijacked on May 2 while anchored off the coast of the Kana Port, controlled by the Yemeni government, and taken to Somalia.

Researcher Yazeed Al-Jeddawy from the Sana'a-based Strategic Studies Center indicated that the events may point to a more organized structure than isolated piracy incidents.

According to Al-Jeddawy, the purpose of any potential coordination may not only be material gain but also regional strategic superiority.

'Piracy is the Result of Deeper Issues'

Experts emphasize that piracy is not only a security issue but also an economic and political crisis.

Due to drought, civil war, and decreasing foreign aid, millions of Somalis are struggling to meet their basic needs. The rising energy and food prices due to the Iran war are also deepening the crisis.

The U.S.-backed Famine Early Warning Systems Network warned that many poor families may have to sell their animals or resort to begging.

A security official in Puntland stated in an interview with the BBC, 'The movement of armed groups along the coast is increasing. The situation is worse than it seems.'

Uncertainty Continues for the Crew

Experts recommend that ships navigating in pirate-risk waters have armed security personnel on board and take physical protection measures.

However, it is reported that such measures were not in place on the Honour 25 tanker where Captain Ashari served.

Santi relayed that her husband told her before the journey that there was no armed security on the ship.

The ship's owner, Osman Shire Quud, stated in an interview with BBC Somali that negotiations are ongoing for the release of the crew, and so far, no ransom demand has been communicated.

Four Indonesian, ten Pakistani, one Indian, one Sri Lankan, and one Myanmarese sailor are being held hostage in the incident.

While EUNAVFOR continues to monitor the ship, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Center (UKMTO) announced that there have been no reports of injuries among the hostages so far.

However, the waiting period is becoming increasingly heavy for the families.

Messages sent to the families of the kidnapped Pakistani sailors mention food shortages and threats of violence.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye