Resurgence of Somali Piracy Prompting International Naval Response

Recent attacks in the Gulf of Aden, including a thwarted hijacking of an oil tanker, highlight increasing pirate activities off the Somali coast.

European naval forces detained six suspected pirates after an exchange of fire with the crew of the oil tanker Chrystal Arctic.
The resurgence in piracy includes five reported incidents in early 2024, signaling a potential shift in pirate strategies and capabilities.
Injuries and the capture of pirates followed heightened security measures by international maritime operations.
Houthi rebels' ongoing assaults on shipping lanes compound regional security challenges, affecting vital maritime routes to the Suez Canal.
Historical context shows a dramatic reduction in piracy incidents since a peak in 2011, thanks to enhanced patrols and regional cooperation.