AEIs Critical Threats Africa File posted on 10 September 2026 an article titled "Somali Pirates Sustain Hijackings" by Michael DeAngelo and Liam Karr.
Somali pirates have hijacked at least 6 vessels off the coast of Somalia's Puntland State and off the coast of Yemen since April. Suspected Somali pirates have attempted at least 4 additional hijackings since May.
The war with Iran may be contributing to the increase in pirate attacks. Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen may be collaborating with al-Shabaab in Somalia in support of the pirates. One of the pirated vessels contained Turkish military equipment destined for the Somali National Army.
