Fresh concerns over a resurgence of Somali piracy are mounting after an oil tanker transiting the Gulf of Aden fired warning shots at suspicious vessels near one of the world’s busiest maritime trade corridors, maritime security agencies said.
The incident occurred on May 22 near Yemen’s Socotra Island, approximately 98 nautical miles from the tanker’s route, according to information shared with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Armed security personnel onboard the vessel reportedly opened warning fire after several small boats approached under what authorities described as suspicious circumstances.
No injuries or damage were reported, but the encounter has intensified fears among international shipping and security agencies over growing instability in waters off Somalia’s coastline.
The latest confrontation rises concerns that pirate networks operating along northern Somalia may be regrouping years after international naval operations significantly reduced attacks in the region. The Gulf of Aden remains a critical maritime artery linking Europe, Asia and the Middle East, carrying billions of dollars in global trade and energy supplies annually.
The European Union Naval Force’s Maritime Security Centre for the Indian Ocean (MSCIO) described the incident as the third piracy-related event reported within a week.
On May 18, maritime surveillance teams detected a suspicious skiff near the Puntland port city of Bosaso, an area historically linked to pirate activity. Days earlier, on May 15, a fast-moving armed boat allegedly intercepted a fishing vessel, with men onboard reportedly carrying weapons resembling AK-47 rifles.
Maritime security reports indicate that at least three vessels remain under the control of suspected Somali pirate groups. The oil tanker MT Honour 25 was hijacked on April 21, followed by the cargo vessel Sward on April 26 and tanker MT Eureka on May 2.
Security officials say pirates holding the MT Eureka are demanding nearly $3 million in ransom.
International maritime agencies continue to warn commercial vessels to remain at least 150 nautical miles away from Somalia’s coastline due to heightened risks of hijackings and armed attacks.
