Turkish and Somali forces have freed the Cameroon-flagged MV LUTUF, which was hijacked by pirates off Somalia’s Puntland coast on August 17, following a 10-day operation. Somalia’s Defence Ministry said sustained military pressure forced the remaining pirates to abandon the vessel.
The ministry said 14 suspected pirates were killed and four pirate boats destroyed during the operation. The forces subsequently secured the vessel, which has now safely resumed its voyage. Details of any casualties among the crew or security forces were not disclosed.
The operation was conducted under a defence cooperation agreement between Türkiye and Somalia, aimed at strengthening maritime security, protecting Somalia’s coastline and combating piracy.
The hijacking of the LUTUF has renewed concerns over a resurgence of Somali piracy in the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean. Several merchant vessels have reportedly been seized or held by pirates in the region in recent months.
However, Puntland authorities have disputed Mogadishu’s account of the vessel’s release, reportedly alleging that a ransom was paid. The claim has not been independently verified.