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Somali Pirates Hijack Eritrean Oil Tanker off Yemen

8/24/2026

Summary

Somali Pirates Hijack

Somali pirates hijacked the Eritrean-flagged oil tanker MT Sibu 1 off Yemen and steered it toward Puntland.
Six armed pirates seized the vessel about 136 nautical miles east of al-Mukalla, Yemen.
Both hijackings involved 22 Indian crew members, who officials said are safe.
The International Maritime Bureau recorded 38 piracy incidents in early 2026, with Somali pirates causing 94 % of hostages.

Summary

Dar Orders Rescue

Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar ordered diplomatic contacts with Somalia to free MT Honour 25 crew.
Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry disclosed a $3 million (Sh394 million) ransom demand for the 17 MT Honour 25 hostages.
Puntland Ministry of Security and DDR condemned August 18 and 20 airstrikes that allegedly hit civilian fishermen.
Puntland demanded immediate explanations from the countries responsible for the Garmaal strikes, warning cooperation damage.

Summary

Yemen Secures Routes

Yemen announced a Maritime Security Committee to protect Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandeb shipping routes.
Analysts say stretched naval forces in Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz push vessels nearer Somali waters.
Somali piracy has resurged since April 2026 after more than a decade of near-dormancy.
Five cargo ships remain hostage, including a July-seized oil tanker 26 nautical miles off Hadramout province.

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Somali Pirates Hijack

Somali pirates hijacked the Eritrean-flagged oil tanker MT Sibu 1 off Yemen and steered it toward Puntland.
Six armed pirates seized the vessel about 136 nautical miles east of al-Mukalla, Yemen.
Both hijackings involved 22 Indian crew members, who officials said are safe.
The International Maritime Bureau recorded 38 piracy incidents in early 2026, with Somali pirates causing 94 % of hostages.

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