Tensions are mounting in the Gulf of Aden after the hijacking of a commercial vessel by unknown assailants off the coast of Somalia, sparking concerns of a resurgence of piracy in the region. The incident, the first suspected pirate attack on a merchant ship since 2017, raises fears of wider instability for global shipping amid already heightened threats from Yemeni rebels in the Red Sea.
The Maltese-flagged Ruen, believed to be the hijacked vessel, reached nine miles offshore from Bander Murcaayo in Puntland, Somalia, on December 17th. British maritime security firm Ambrey assessed the event as “likely the first hijacking by Somali pirates since the ARIS 13 in 2017,” attributing it partly to political instability in Puntland.
A Spanish navy ship was dispatched at full speed towards the Ruen on Friday, and the European Union’s naval force EUNAVFOR confirmed its involvement, stating close collaboration with local authorities and information sharing efforts. As of Monday evening, the Ruen’s status remained unclear, with its last reported position near Somalia’s coast.
Beyond the immediate concern for the Ruen and its crew, the attack raises broader concerns about the vulnerability of shipping in the region. Industry sources fear the hijacking could embolden other actors, particularly amid ongoing attacks by Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea. These attacks, targeting commercial vessels in support of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, further destabilize the maritime environment.
Analysts point to political instability in Puntland as a contributing factor to the possible resurgence of piracy. Nicolas Delaunay, East and Southern Africa project director for the International Crisis Group, noted, “When there is instability in Puntland, it creates space for potential pirates or gangs to operate. This dispute, coupled with the changing role of the Puntland Maritime Police Force, raises concerns about the region’s security.”
The hijacking of the Ruen serves as a stark reminder of the lingering threat of piracy off the Somali coast. International efforts to curb piracy have achieved significant success in recent years, but the incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and coordinated action to ensure the safety of maritime routes in the region.
