MOGADISHU: Turkish naval forces and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) have carried out a joint operation to free a cargo ship hijacked by pirates off Somalia’s coast, killing 14 pirates and destroying four of their boats, Somalia’s Defence Ministry said.
The MV Latuf was hijacked on August 17 by pirates off Jifle, near the town of Eyl in Somalia’s northeastern Nugaal region, according to a ministry statement. The rescue operation continued for 10 days.
“During the ten-day operation, four boats used by the pirates were destroyed, and 14 pirates were killed,” said a Somali government statement.
Pirates abandon vessel under pressure
The ministry said sustained pressure from Turkish and Somali security forces eventually forced the remaining pirates to abandon the vessel. Security forces then took full control of the MV Latuf, which has since resumed its voyage safely.
The ministry did not provide details about the crew’s nationalities, the ship’s cargo or its final destination.
PRESS RELEASE
The Turkish Navy, working with the Somali National Armed Forces, has freed cargo ship 𝗠𝗩 𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗙 following a 10-day anti-piracy operation off Jifle, Eyl District. The vessel is secure and has safely resumed its voyage.
Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/JdnL7hO5mq— MoD Somalia 🇸🇴 (@MoDSomaliya) August 29, 2026
Somalia vows to combat piracy
The Defence Ministry described piracy as a serious crime carrying severe penalties and warned that pirates, their supporters and those who facilitate or ignore such activities would be held accountable and brought to justice.
It praised the SNAF and Turkish Navy for their cooperation and reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to protecting its coastline and territorial waters, combating piracy and ensuring the safety of maritime transport.
Operation conducted under defence pact
The operation was carried out under a defence cooperation agreement between Somalia and Türkiye, which has strengthened joint efforts to improve maritime security and combat piracy.
The partnership is based on the Defence and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement signed by Türkiye and Somalia in February 2024. Under the agreement, Türkiye pledged to help Somalia protect its maritime jurisdiction, safeguard marine resources and counter illegal activities at sea.
Türkiye has also maintained military training and capacity-building programmes in Somalia for years.
Piracy threat persists
Piracy off Somalia’s coast, particularly in the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean, surged in the late 2000s and early 2010s. International naval patrols and security efforts significantly reduced attacks, although sporadic hijackings have continued in subsequent years.
