Gunmen seize tanker off Yemen amid resurgence of Somali piracy

A tanker, the Seamull (also known as SIBU 1), has been boarded by six armed individuals off the coast of Yemen in the Gulf of Aden. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center reported that the vessel was diverted towards Somalia after broadcasting a distress call. This incident occurred 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, Yemen, in a busy shipping lane. The UKMTO confirmed the boarding and redirection of the tanker, stating that authorities are investigating and advising vessels to transit with caution. This event marks a resurgence of Somali piracy, which had been largely dormant for over a decade.

Pirates hijacked the Cameroon-flagged cargo ship M/V LUTUF off Somalia's Puntland coast on Monday. The vessel was carrying Turkish weapons destined for a military training facility in Mogadishu, along with communications and satellite equipment. The 10-member crew consists of six Indians, one Turkish national, one Georgian, and two Serbian security guards. The ship was taken towards the Nugaal coast. Following an approach by a small boat carrying khat, an airstrike occurred, reportedly killing four men and wounding two, though the circumstances and perpetrators are unverified. The status of the ship, its crew, and cargo remains unclear.