International shipping faces renewed concerns as the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA has reported a suspected pirate action group (PAG) departing from Somalia's northern central coast. This development signals a potential resurgence of Somali piracy after a five-month lull.
Thirteen armed pirates have left Ceel Huur near Hobyo, marking the first reported pirate activity since early June. The Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) has advised all vessels to navigate with caution and report any suspicious activity.
This resurgence follows the hijacking of the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Almeraj 1 late last year, which had previously raised concerns about piracy. In a related incident, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) reported that the Chinese-flagged bulk vessel Huan Hang 99 was approached by five small vessels south of Aden. The onboard security team fired warning shots, although it remains unclear whether these vessels originated from Yemen or Somalia.