Puntland State arrests suspected pirates in security operations in Somalia’s Bari region

Monday May 18, 2026

Garowe (AX) — Puntland State security forces detained suspected pirates on Sunday in a sweep across Somalia’s Bari region, stepping up pressure on groups accused of trying to revive maritime crime along the coast.

According to Puntland State security officials, the suspects are thought to have ties to pirate networks linked to attacks, kidnappings and attempted hijackings of commercial ships in Somali waters and along nearby Red Sea shipping lanes.

The operations form part of a wider effort to block pirate groups from rebuilding bases on Puntland State’s shoreline, where authorities say fresh threats have raised alarms over shipping safety, port activity and regional commerce.

Police commanders in the Karkaar region issued a blunt warning, saying anyone who backs, harbors or collaborates with pirate groups will face prosecution.

“We will take strict action against anyone involved in supporting acts of piracy,” police officials said, adding that the suspects arrested in the operation will be taken to court.

Officials also said investigators would look into whether other people may have helped the pirate groups, including relatives or close associates if evidence shows they provided support.

The Puntland State administration said a resurgence in piracy could hurt commercial shipping, slow port operations and threaten trade as well as the wider regional economy.

Authorities said anti-piracy operations will continue both on land and at sea as they move to dismantle networks accused of seeking to bring piracy back to Somalia’s coastline.

Piracy off Somalia fell dramatically over the past decade after international naval patrols, armed security aboard ships and regional counterpiracy measures helped drive down attacks. Even so, recent incidents have renewed concern that pirate groups may be taking advantage of instability in the Red Sea and parts of Somalia’s coast.