At least seven killed in airstrike along Somalia’s Nugaal Coast

At least seven people have reportedly been killed in an airstrike targeting a boat along the coastline of Somalia’s Nugaal region, according to local reports and eyewitnesses.

The strike reportedly occurred near Argeegto, a coastal area under Godobjiiraan district, where the boat was travelling at the time of the attack. Eyewitnesses cited by local media said at least seven people aboard the vessel were killed.

The circumstances surrounding the strike, including the identity of those on the boat and the force responsible, remain unclear.

The reported attack comes amid heightened maritime security concerns along Somalia’s Puntland coastline following a resurgence of piracy in the region. Local reports have linked the area to the Lutuf, a vessel reportedly seized by pirates and believed to have been carrying Turkish military equipment destined for Mogadishu.

The latest incident is reported to be the third strike along the Nugaal coastline in recent days. Earlier attacks in the area have reportedly been attributed to Turkish forces operating off Somalia’s coast, although there has been no independent confirmation of responsibility for the latest strike.

The reported strikes come as international and regional actors intensify efforts to counter a renewed piracy threat, following a series of vessel seizures off the Somali coast.

The renewed maritime attacks have raised concerns among countries whose commercial vessels operate in waters off Somalia, while authorities in Puntland have called for greater coordination to protect coastal communities and address piracy without putting fishermen and other civilians at risk.

Mustaqbal