Somalia : Puntland says foreign actors may be involved in resurgence of piracy off its coast

GAROWE, Puntland — Puntland authorities said they are investigating information suggesting that outside actors may be involved in the resurgence of piracy off the region’s coast, warning that the renewed activity could be driven by political and economic interests.

In a statement issued on August 21, Puntland’s Ministry of Security and DDR strongly condemned the recent increase in piracy incidents along the coastline.

“The Ministry of Security and DDR of the Puntland Government strongly condemns and opposes the acts of piracy that have recently re-emerged along Puntland’s coast,” the ministry said.

The ministry said it was conducting a special investigation into information indicating that “forces outside Puntland” may be involved in the new piracy operations, adding that piracy could be used as a cover to advance political and economic interests.

Puntland did not identify the actors it suspects of involvement and provided no further details or evidence supporting the allegation.

The government said it remained committed to combating piracy and was prepared to cooperate with governments and other international partners working to secure the region’s waters. It said security agencies and authorities in coastal districts had been mobilized to take action against piracy networks.

The statement also condemned strikes that Puntland said were carried out by international warships in areas near the coast where pirates are holding hijacked vessels.

Puntland warned that such strikes could undermine cooperation in the fight against piracy and called for maritime security operations to ensure the protection of civilians and their property.

The government specifically called on countries operating international naval vessels in the area to provide an immediate explanation for what it described as strikes carried out on August 18 and 20, 2026, in parts of the Nugaal region. Puntland said fishermen and their property were targeted in those incidents.

Puntland said it welcomed cooperation with any party willing to assist in combating piracy and securing the release of vessels being held by pirate groups.

GAROWE ONLINE