Somali piracy groups have reportedly released a ship they had been holding hostage, according to security sources cited by local media. The sources did not provide further details about the release.
The vessel was hijacked in April this year and was carrying 17 crew members, according to a brief report by AFP.
Security officials said the ship had reportedly been used by the pirates as a base from which they intercepted and captured other vessels, some of which remain in the hands of the pirate groups.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has reported that Somali pirates have carried out around 15 attacks so far this year, with some attempts resulting in the capture of vessels while others were unsuccessful.
It remains unclear whether the pirates received a ransom for the ship’s release or freed the vessel and its crew voluntarily. The pirates had previously demanded ransom payments in exchange for their release.
Somalia with the support of international friendly security partners have promised to step up operations to cooperate and protect the seas. With a “total war” approach against pirate networks, partners plan to strengthen joint patrols, intelligence-sharing, and capacity for Somali forces, targeting the piracy leadership and supply routes to reduce attacks and secure trade routes.
Mustaqbal
