Somali Piracy Resurgence: EU and Indian Forces Capture Pirate Vessel Following Tanker Hijacking

2 hours ago7 min read1 comments

In a coordinated operation, European Union and Indian naval forces have captured a pirate ship, responding swiftly to the hijacking of a commercial tanker. This incident underscores a troubling resurgence of Somali piracy, a threat that had been largely suppressed for over a decade.The action revives memories of the 2011 crisis, a period that cost the global economy an estimated €6 billion according to the Oceans Beyond Piracy monitoring group, with €138 million paid directly in ransoms. These costs were driven by soaring insurance premiums, expensive vessel rerouting, and the widespread deployment of private security teams.While international patrols, such as the EU's Operation Atalanta, had previously curtailed such attacks, security analysts point to a combination of political instability in Somalia, decreased vigilance among commercial shippers, and persistent local economic hardship as key drivers behind this new wave of piracy. Risk intelligence firms warn that a full-scale return to the piracy levels of 2011 could severely disrupt fragile global supply chains, already under pressure from conflicts in the Red Sea, potentially leading to increased prices for consumers worldwide. While the recent seizure is a tactical success, experts argue that a lasting strategic solution requires a sustained, dual-track approach: maintaining robust naval patrols while simultaneously supporting governance and economic development within Somalia to address the root causes of maritime crime.

#Somali piracy

#EU navy

#Indian navy

#maritime security

#Malta-flagged tanker

#featured

Stay Informed. Act Smarter.

Get weekly highlights, major headlines, and expert insights — then put your knowledge to work in our live prediction markets.

Comments

Loading comments...