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Somali authorities in the semi-autonomous Puntland region have rescued a US-sanctioned oil tanker seized by pirates last month, following a maritime operation that involved tracking and ambushing the vessel at sea.
The Seamull tanker, also known as Sibu 1, was recovered after Puntland security forces pursued the vessel, which had been taken by pirates off Yemen’s coast on August 20 and later moved into Somali waters.
The tanker is among vessels sanctioned by the United States as part of what Washington describes as Iran’s “shadow fleet”, a network of ships accused of helping export Iranian oil through concealed operations.
Read More : Somali Pirates Briefly Seize Ship off Yemen
Puntland officials said the operation began earlier this week after the authorities traced the movement of Sibu 1 and three other hijacked tankers near the coastal town of Bander Beyla. The pursuit forced the pirates to move south along Somalia’s coastline.
A security official told AFP that while the vessel was anchored south of Garacad, Puntland forces launched their operation.
“While they were anchored south of Garacad, a large ship used by Puntland ambushed Sibu 1 out at sea,” the official said.
Another official added that “Sibu 1 was caught off-guard” during the operation.
Puntland authorities said one pirate was killed, four others were wounded and 15 were captured. The tanker’s 20-member crew was rescued safely, while one police officer sustained injuries during the operation.
However, three other vessels — Honour 25, MT Eureka and MT Asana — remain in pirate custody. Officials said the pirates had moved the ships south towards Hobyo, a port town in neighbouring Galmudug state.
Read More : Pirates Hijack Cargo Ship Off Somali Coast
Honour 25 and MT Eureka were reportedly carrying fuel worth millions of dollars, with authorities saying pirates had begun removing barrels from the vessels for sale on the black market.
The rescue comes as Somalia experiences a resurgence in piracy activity. The International Maritime Organisation says there have been at least 15 attacks this year, the highest number since 2013.
Piracy off Somalia’s coast reached its peak in 2011 before international naval patrols, stronger maritime security measures, and cooperation with shipping companies helped reduce attacks.
