Somalia piracy attacks highest since 2013, AFP says

Piracy attacks off Somalia have reached their highest level since 2013, with at least 15 attacks reported since the start of 2026, according to an AFP analysis of International Maritime Organization data.

The analysis used reports from the IMO's Global Integrated Shipping Information System covering incidents since 1994 in the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean within 2,000 kilometres of Somalia.

The region had recorded no more than a handful of pirate attacks a year since 2013, including five in 2025. Attacks have increased in 2026, especially in the Gulf of Aden between Somalia and Yemen, where eight attacks have occurred since May.

The Gulf of Aden links the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean and is part of one of the world's busiest shipping routes. Shipping through the wider region has been disrupted since the war between Iran, the United States and Israel began on February 28.

The largest attack recorded in 2026 took place on April 21, when around 30 pirates armed with assault rifles and grenade launchers targeted the Honour 25, an oil tanker sailing north of Eyl in Somalia's Puntland region. The pirates took the 17 crew members hostage and still control the 90-metre vessel.

This year's figures remain far below the peak recorded in 2011, when the IMO recorded around 200 attacks on ships in the region.