Security forces in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region have recovered a hijacked petroleum tanker after carrying out an operation against pirates who had controlled the vessel for several months.
The vessel, MT Honour 25, was seized in April and was reportedly carrying a multinational crew when it came under the control of Somali pirates. Puntland authorities said the operation resulted in the recovery of the tanker and the detention of suspected pirates.
The development represents another major counter-piracy operation by Puntland forces following the recent recovery of another hijacked tanker in the region.
MT Honour 25 seized in April
The Palau-flagged tanker was reportedly taken by pirates on April 21, 2026, approximately 30 nautical miles off the Puntland coastline.
At the time of the hijacking, the ship had 17 crew members aboard, including 10 Pakistani nationals, according to the Reuters report. The tanker was carrying petroleum products and had remained under pirate control for months before Puntland forces moved against the group.
The prolonged seizure made the vessel part of a wider resurgence in piracy incidents along Somalia’s coastline, where attacks on commercial shipping have increased after years of relative decline.
Puntland launches rescue operation
Puntland’s security forces reportedly conducted a coordinated operation involving maritime and ground units to retake control of the tanker.
According to Puntland state television, the pirates holding the vessel were detained following the operation and are expected to face court proceedings.
Puntland officials had not immediately responded to requests for additional comment at the time of the Reuters report.
Other regional reports said the operation took place around the Dharin-Baar area of the Bandar Beyla district, although details surrounding the assault and the condition of everyone involved were still developing.
Reports of casualties
While the initial Reuters report cited information from the Ansar Burney Trust alleging that crew members were killed and others injured during the operation, the circumstances surrounding those reports were not independently confirmed.
A later Pakistani report said Pakistan was seeking official confirmation after receiving conflicting information about the condition of the crew. This highlights the need for caution while authorities establish the full details of the incident.
The vessel’s multinational crew reportedly included Pakistani sailors alongside nationals from other countries.
Another tanker recently rescued
The recovery of MT Honour 25 comes only days after Puntland forces announced another significant anti-piracy operation involving the Sibu 1 tanker.
Sibu 1, also known as Seamull, had been hijacked in August after being seized off Yemen before being taken into Somali waters. Puntland’s maritime police said the tanker and its 20 crew members were recovered during an operation that also resulted in the capture of several suspected pirates.
The two operations indicate that Puntland security forces have intensified efforts against pirate groups operating along Somalia’s coastline.
Somalia faces renewed piracy concerns
Somali piracy was once one of the biggest threats to international commercial shipping. Between roughly 2008 and 2014, armed groups operating from Somalia carried out numerous attacks on merchant vessels, particularly around the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean.
International naval patrols, improved security measures aboard commercial ships and increased cooperation among countries helped significantly reduce the threat.
However, piracy has resurfaced in recent years. The latest incidents have renewed concerns among shipping companies and governments about the security of one of the world’s important maritime corridors.
The Gulf of Aden connects the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea and provides a major route for international trade. Any sustained increase in pirate attacks could therefore have consequences beyond Somalia, particularly for shipping operators and countries whose trade depends on the route.
Puntland steps up maritime security
The latest rescue places Puntland at the centre of renewed efforts to tackle piracy along Somalia’s northeastern coastline.
For the regional authorities, recovering hijacked vessels and detaining suspected pirates are part of attempts to strengthen maritime security and prevent pirate networks from consolidating their operations.
The recovery of MT Honour 25, following the earlier Sibu 1 operation, could also increase pressure on pirate groups that have taken advantage of the renewed insecurity at sea.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide further information about the operation, the detained suspects and the condition of the tanker’s crew.
For now, the rescue marks another significant development in Somalia’s renewed campaign against maritime piracy and comes amid growing international attention to security along the country’s coastline.
