Garowe, PUNTLAND – In a disturbing development that underscores the resurgence of piracy off the coast of Somalia, pirates based in Puntland have released the Bangladesh-flagged vessel MV Abdullah and its 23-member crew after reportedly receiving a $5 million ransom last night. Security sources in Puntland confirmed the payment, made via a helicopter drop, marking the end of a month-long ordeal. The ordeal began a month ago when pirates hijacked the ship, which was carrying coal from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), off Somalia’s coast.
The attack on MV Abdullah is part of a worrying trend that has seen approximately 10 ships targeted, with several hijacked, near Puntland since November 2023. This surge in pirate activity coincided with the region’s focus on elections, which left counter-piracy operations against land-based infrastructure largely unattended. The incident highlights the need for sustained efforts to combat piracy both at sea and on land.
Following the ransom payment, the pirates dispersed to three areas: Bandar Beyla in Bari region, near Godobjiran in Nugal region, and near Garacad in Mudug region—indicating the pirates’ origins from these locales. Attempts by security forces to intervene were met with resistance from clan militias supporting the pirates.
The Land infrastructure of the pirates
In Garacad, a standoff between 5 technicals from the security forces and 7 technicals from a clan militia resulted in the pirates being allowed to leave unimpeded. Similarly, in Nugal, 6 technicals of clan militias escorted the pirates from the beach without any interdiction efforts. The level of clan militia involvement in Bandar Beyla remains unclear. This support from local militias poses a significant challenge to counter-piracy efforts on land.
A security source, speaking to The Somali Digest on condition of anonymity, emphasized the critical importance of proactive measures against pirate gangs on land, stating, “The government needs to prosecute pirate gangs on land, before they seize a ship.” This statement underscores the need for a shift in focus from reactive measures at sea to proactive, land-based initiatives.
When pirates hijack a ship, it becomes increasingly challenging to take action against their suppliers and support networks. Paying a ransom further compounds this difficulty by widening the pirates’ support base and adding complexity to intervention efforts. Therefore, it is essential to invest in counter-piracy efforts on the ground, targeting the root causes and dismantling the infrastructure that enables piracy to thrive.
Pirates adapting to counter piracy operations
The successful rescue of the Maltese-flagged bulk cargo vessel MV Ruen by Indian commandos in March, as part of the international counter-piracy naval presence in Somali waters, demonstrates the effectiveness of well-coordinated military interventions at sea. However, the case of MV Abdullah highlights the limitations of such an approach when faced with heavily militarized hijacked ships and threats to kill captives and burn vessels.
As pirates in Somalia adapt their tactics to deter rescue attempts, the international community must recognize that the ultimate solution to piracy lies in addressing its land-based roots. While naval interventions remain crucial in the short term, a more comprehensive, land-focused strategy is necessary for long-term success.
The resurgence of piracy off the coast of Somalia, as evidenced by the hijacking and release of MV Abdullah following a substantial ransom payment, underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in counter-piracy efforts. The involvement of clan militias in protecting and supporting pirates highlights the complex interplay between criminal networks and local communities, making it increasingly difficult to combat piracy solely through naval interventions.
The case of MV Abdullah serves as a powerful reminder that, while naval interventions remain crucial, the ultimate defeat of Somali piracy lies in a comprehensive, land-based approach. It is imperative that the international community, in collaboration with the Somali government and regional authorities, prioritize proactive measures and invest in the long-term stability and security of the region.
