Monday March 18, 2024
An aerial shot of Bosaso, Puntland.
Garowe (HOL) - A Yemeni fishing vessel was hijacked last Sunday in the Gulf of Aden, British security firm Ambrey reported. During the incident, crew members were taken to Bosaso, Somalia, where one individual was fatally wounded. The vessel, carrying 21 Yemenis, is expected to return to Yemen by Monday.
Ambrey has clarified that the hijacking resulted from a dispute between the Yemeni fishermen and a local armed group operating near Bosaso. This incident is distinguished from the region's notorious Somali piracy, indicating a different nature of maritime threat.
The event occurs amidst escalating regional tensions, notably marked by the Houthi movement's recent aggressive stance. Since November 19, the Houthis, controlling significant parts of Yemen, have launched attacks on commercial ships transiting the Red Sea. These actions are part of a protest against Israeli military operations in Gaza, contributing to the complex security challenges in the area.
This hijacking highlights the ongoing risks in the Gulf of Aden, a crucial maritime route, amid broader geopolitical conflicts. The international community remains vigilant as regional disputes continue to impact maritime safety and security.