Somalia: Puntland State investigates possible foreign role in renewed coastal piracy
AXADLE, Puntland State — Puntland State authorities have launched an investigation into claims that foreign actors could be behind a renewed wave of piracy along the region’s coastline, saying the attacks may be linked to political or economic interests.
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In a statement released on August 21, Puntland State’s Ministry of Security and DDR condemned the recent rise in piracy incidents in the strongest terms.
“The Ministry of Security and DDR of the Puntland State Government strongly condemns and opposes the acts of piracy that have recently re-emerged along Puntland State’s coast,” the ministry said.
The ministry said a special inquiry was examining information that “forces outside Puntland State” could be involved in the latest piracy operations. It also warned that piracy might be being used to conceal efforts aimed at advancing political and economic objectives.
Puntland State did not name the actors it suspects and offered no additional details or evidence to support the allegation.
The administration reaffirmed its commitment to fighting piracy and said it was ready to work with governments and international partners seeking to improve maritime security in the region. It added that security agencies and authorities in coastal districts had been mobilized to disrupt piracy networks.
The statement also criticized strikes that Puntland State said international warships carried out near the coast, in areas where pirates are holding hijacked vessels.
Puntland State cautioned that the strikes could damage cooperation against piracy and urged maritime security operations to prioritize the safety of civilians and the protection of their property.
The government specifically demanded an immediate explanation from countries operating international naval vessels in the area over what it described as attacks on August 18 and 20, 2026, in parts of the Nugaal region. Puntland State said fishermen and their property were targeted.
Puntland State said it welcomed cooperation with any party prepared to help combat piracy and secure the release of vessels held by pirate groups.
AXADLETM
