MOGADISHU, Somalia (HornPost) The Turkish Navy and Somali forces rescued the hijacked MV LATUF after a 10-day operation off Eyl, Somalia, as unverified reports circulate over a possible ransom payment.
The Turkish Navy, working in cooperation with the Somali National Army, has rescued the MV LATUF, a Turkish-owned vessel that was hijacked by Somali pirates on Aug. 17 off the coast of Jifle in Eyl district, Nugaal region, Somalia’s Ministry of Defense said Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, the joint operation lasted 10 days and resulted in the destruction of four boats allegedly used by the pirates. The ministry said 14 pirates were killed during the operation, while continued military pressure eventually forced the remaining pirates to flee the vessel.
Somali and Turkish forces subsequently took full control of the MV LATUF, which is now continuing its voyage safely, according to the statement.
Somalia-Türkiye Defense Cooperation
The operation was conducted under the framework of the defense cooperation agreement between Somalia and Türkiye, which strengthens cooperation between the two countries in protecting Somalia’s coastline, securing its territorial waters and combating piracy.
The Somali Ministry of Defense praised the Somali National Army and Turkish Navy for their cooperation in carrying out the operation.
The ministry also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Somalia’s territorial waters, combating piracy and ensuring the safety of maritime traffic.
It warned individuals and groups involved in piracy, as well as those supporting or financing such activities, that they would face legal consequences.
“Piracy is a serious criminal offense that carries severe punishment,” the ministry said, warning that those involved would be held accountable under the law.
Independent Reports Raise Ransom Claims
Separately, some Somali media outlets, citing individuals allegedly linked to the Somali piracy networks, have reported that a ransom may have been paid in connection with the MV LATUF hijacking.
The reported figures vary significantly.
Some reports have claimed that the pirates received approximately $400,000, while other reports have cited a ransom of as much as $1.5 million.
However, there is currently no independent source confirming that a ransom was paid or verifying either of the reported amounts.
The ransom claims therefore remain unverified and should be treated with caution until independently confirmed by reliable sources.
The rescue of the MV LATUF comes amid renewed international concern over piracy along Somalia’s coastline and the security of shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean.
Press release from Somalia’s Ministry of Defense
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
MOGADISHU, Somalia
