The security sources indicate that six international warships are currently operating in waters near the Lutuf, including vessels from Turkey, Spain, Denmark, the United States, and India, though the BBC has not independently confirmed their presence.
A Somali government official stated that the hijacked vessel was carrying military equipment destined for Turkey’s operations in Somalia, along with satellite hardware intended for Ankara’s space station under construction north of the capital.
The official alleged that Turkey conducted a second drone strike on Sunday that killed nine armed men, acknowledging the victims were criminals but warning that such action further escalates an already tense situation.
Turkey’s defence ministry confirmed its forces are providing “necessary support” to Somali authorities concerning the hijacked vessel in Somali territorial waters, operating within the framework of their security agreement, though it did not address the allegations of deadly drone strikes.
Publicly, the Mogadishu government stated it is aware of the operations targeting pirate groups and will take measures to address the emerging threats.
Puntland authorities have been more forthcoming. Deputy Minister of Security Abdirahman Yusuf told the BBC’s Somali Service that his administration has evidence linking Turkey to the attacks, citing Turkish activity around the vessel and along the Puntland coast. The BBC has not independently verified these claims.
The Somali security ministry issued a statement expressing opposition to “bombings by international warships targeting civilians,” arguing the strikes “undermined co-operation… in combatting piracy,” and demanded an immediate explanation for why they were carried out.
Analysts note that Puntland’s wariness of Turkey’s close military ties with the Somali government, combined with the recent incidents, risks further complicating a long-standing political dispute between the semi-autonomous region and Mogadishu, thereby hindering a coordinated effort to fight piracy.
While a full-blown resurgence has not yet materialized, experts warn that without an end to the US-Iran war or significantly increased international deterrence, Somali piracy will continue to raise threat levels in a crucial maritime corridor already dangerously squeezed.
Additional reporting by Mohamed Gabobe in Mogadishu and the BBC Somali Service
