SOMALI pirates have released the hijacked ship MV Abdullah along with its crew of 23 following the payment of a $5 million ransom, as confirmed by two pirates involved in the operation.
Abdirashiid Yusuf, one of the pirates, disclosed to Reuters that the ransom was delivered two nights prior, adhering to the customary procedure. ‘The money was brought to us two nights ago as usual… we checked whether the money was fake or not. Then we divided the money into groups and left, avoiding the government forces,’ stated Yusuf. He further affirmed that the vessel and its crew were safely released.
Despite attempts to obtain a response from Somalia government officials, no comments were provided regarding the ransom payment or the release of the hijacked ship.
The MV Abdullah, a bulk carrier flying the flag of Bangladesh, was seized by pirates in March while en route from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates. The incident occurred about 600 nautical miles east of Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.
Piracy off the coast of Somalia had significantly declined between 2008 and 2018 but experienced a resurgence in late 2023. Maritime sources speculate that a relaxation in security measures or the turmoil caused by attacks on shipping by the Yemeni Iran-aligned Houthi group, amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza, may have emboldened pirate activity.
Concerns over maritime security persist as piracy threatens vital shipping lanes in the region, impacting global trade and maritime commerce. Efforts to combat piracy remain a priority for international maritime organizations and naval forces patrolling the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.