Turkish and Somali forces reclaim hijacked ship in Puntland

Turkish naval forces and the Somali national army successfully recovered the Cameroon-flagged vessel MV Latuf following a ten-day military operation off the coast of Puntland, Somalia. The ship was originally seized by pirates on August 17, 2026, approximately 3.5 nautical miles from Eyl in the Nugaal region. According to the Somali Ministry of Defense, the joint operation involved sustained military pressure and the destruction of four pirate speedboats, ultimately forcing the remaining captors to abandon the vessel.

The operation resulted in the deaths of 14 pirates. Somali authorities confirmed that the security forces successfully boarded the ship, regained full control, and allowed the vessel to resume its voyage. The Ministry of Defense provided these figures, noting that no cargo details were disclosed during the briefing.

This incident is part of a broader regional surge in piracy, with at least 15 attacks recorded off the Somali coast since the beginning of 2026. Data from the International Maritime Organization suggests this level of activity is the highest recorded since 2013, marking a significant escalation in maritime security challenges within the Horn of Africa. The military confrontation signals a shift in strategy toward active engagement to deter further pirate activity in these waters.