Somali pirates kill 5 crew on hijacked tanker before rescue by security forces

Five crew members were killed by Somali pirates aboard the hijacked MT Honour 25 petroleum products tanker before security forces rescued the vessel. The incident, which occurred on the Palau-flagged ship with 17 crew members, marks the first reported pirate deaths at the hands of Somali pirates in over a decade. The tanker was seized by pirates in April amidst a resurgence of Somali piracy. Experts suggest this resurgence is partly linked to the impacts of the Iran war, including elevated factors. The semi-autonomous state of Puntland confirmed the events on Tuesday.