Somali authorities said Saturday that the Turkish navy, along with Somali armed forces, had freed a hijacked vessel held in Somali waters and killed 14 pirates after a battle lasting several days.
The Horn of Africa has seen a resurgence in piracy since April, according to figures from the International Maritime Organization, with at least 15 attacks off the coast of Somalia this year, the highest number since 2013.
“During the 10-day operation, four boats used by the pirates were destroyed and 14 pirates were killed,” a Somali Defense Ministry statement said.
“The sustained military pressure finally forced the remaining pirates to abandon the ship,” it added.
“The forces subsequently secured the MV LATUF, which has now safely resumed its journey.”
