Turkiye, Somalia forces free cargo vessel hijacked by pirates | Conflict News
Somali and Turkish Forces Free Cargo Ship from Pirates
August 30, 2026
Turkish and Somali forces successfully liberated a cargo ship that had been held by pirates off the coast of Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland state, authorities reported on Saturday. The operation, which lasted ten days, resulted in the deaths of 14 pirates, according to a statement issued by the Somali Ministry of Defence on X.
The ministry stated that four pirate vessels were also destroyed during the mission. The sustained efforts of the joint forces ultimately forced the remaining pirates to abandon the Cameroon-flagged MV Latuf, allowing the forces to take control of the ship.
This rescue operation was conducted in accordance with a defense cooperation agreement between Somalia and Turkey, which aims to enhance maritime security and combat piracy along Somalia’s coastline.
While the Somali Defence Ministry did not disclose information regarding any injuries or the condition of the ship’s crew, local elder Abdullahi Warsame from the Jiifle community in Puntland’s Nugal region confirmed to The Associated Press that both the vessel and its crew had been freed.
The MV Latuf had departed from the Turkish Port of Tekirdag in late July. It was hijacked by pirates on August 17 in waters off Puntland’s Nugal region. As of recent reports from the Marine Traffic website, the cargo ship has resumed its voyage toward its intended destination of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Piracy off the coast of Somalia surged dramatically in the 2000s, peaking in 2011 before receding due to international naval operations and enhanced security measures for commercial shipping. However, incidents of piracy have increased again this year, with at least 15 attacks reported—marking the highest number since 2013, according to the International Maritime Organization. At least five cargo ships have been seized, with the most recent capture occurring on August 20 near the coast of Yemen.
