Somali pirates killed oil tanker crew before rescue, official tells BBC

Five crew members of the oil tanker MT Hoarner 25 were killed by pirates before regional security forces retook the vessel off the coast of Somalia. The deceased included three Pakistani nationals, one Indian, and one national of Myanmar. Four other crew members sustained injuries. The tanker, carrying approximately 18,500 barrels of oil, was seized in April by six armed men. Sixteen suspected pirates were arrested following the incident, although some reportedly escaped. A senior regional official from Puntland confirmed the deaths and stated that the killings occurred before forces boarded the tanker.

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.

Somali authorities reported that pirates killed five crew members on board the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Honour 25 off the coast of Somalia. The deaths, which appear to be the first at the hands of Somali pirates in over a decade, occurred before security forces rescued the vessel. The tanker, carrying 18,500 barrels of oil, was seized on April 21. A rescue mission freed the ship and resulted in the capture of 16 suspected pirates. The deceased crew members included three from Pakistan, one from Myanmar, and one from India, with four others injured. This incident comes amid a reported resurgence of Somali piracy.