Turkish vessel freed after seizure by pirates, Somali officials say
Turkish and Somali forces killed 14 alleged pirates and destroyed four boats in the rescue operation, the defense ministry said.
- On Saturday, Turkish and Somali forces freed the Cameroon-flagged vessel MV Lutuf, which pirates had hijacked off the coast of Puntland on August 17. The operation destroyed four pirate boats and freed the crew.
- Puntland officials alleged Turkish forces conducted deadly drone strikes near the vessel, though the Turkish defense ministry stated only that its forces provided "necessary support" under a defense cooperation agreement. The BBC has not independently verified the allegations.
- Somali defense officials reported 14 alleged pirates were killed and four boats destroyed during the operation. Separate allegations indicate 13 men died in two drone strikes since August 18, targeting a network supplying the pirates.
- The incident highlights a long-standing political dispute between semi-autonomous Puntland and Mogadishu, as analysts warn Turkey's military presence complicates regional anti-piracy efforts. Puntland security officials demanded explanations for the strikes.
- Somali piracy has surged to at least 13 attacks this year, the biggest escalation in more than a decade. Instability from the US-Iran war in the Gulf of Aden creates a gray zone exploited by criminal networks.
50 Articles
50 Articles
Turkey and Somalia released a hijacked ship off the coast of the Somali state Puntland (north-east), after 10 days of "sustained military pressure" during which 14 pirates were killed, the Mogadishu government announced on Saturday, reports AFP, quoted by News.ro.
Turkijos karinis jūrų laivynas kartu su Somalio ginkluotosiomis pajėgomis po kelias dienas trukusio mūšio išlaisvino pagrobtą laivaą, kuris buvo laikytas Somalio vandenyse, ir nukovė 14 piratų, šeštadienį pranešė Mogadišo vyriausybė.
Turkijos karinis jūrų laivynas kartu su Somalio ginkluotosiomis pajėgomis po kelias dienas trukusio mūšio išlaisvino pagrobtą laivaą, kuris buvo laikytas Somalio vandenyse, ir nukovė 14 piratų, šeštadienį pranešė Mogadišo vyriausybė.
For ten days, Mogadishu and Ankara put "sustained military pressure" on this cargo ship under Cameroonian flag. The coasts of the Horn of Africa have since April been subject to a resurgence of piracy.
TURKISH and Somali special forces have freed the cargo ship MV Lutuf, which was hijacked by pirates off the Somali coast.
The Turkish and Somali military were able to regain control of the captured pirate vessel MV Latuf after a long-term operation, reporting to EFE on Saturday. "As a result of constant pressure from our forces, the pirates were forced to leave the ship.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
