Iran-backed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have revitalized Somali piracy networks, significantly bolstering their numbers and strength, according to a European naval force official.
The Houthis, based in Yemen, began targeting ships in the Red Sea last year, aiming to pressure Israel and its allies concerning the Gaza conflict.
Their campaign has disrupted global shipping operations, forcing many vessels to reroute thousands of miles around South Africa instead of the traditional path.
This diversion has led to a surge in carbon emissions and shipping costs, as ships endure much longer journeys to deliver the same cargo.
Shifting Attack Strategy
Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva, who leads the EU operation tasked with curbing piracy, noted that pirates “see an opportunity due to the presence of the Houthis.”
The increased traffic along the Somali coast has emboldened pirates to venture into the Indian Ocean, he said, adding that they are “really trying to test the scope and capabilities of the Western international coalition.”
On July 1, Villanueva explained that one pirate tactic involves hijacking small boats like dinghies and sailboats and then sailing for ten days in the Indian Ocean to attack larger ships. He mentioned that recent attacks targeted large vessels, with ransom paid only once.
As ships navigate around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, their unpredictable schedules cause congestion in major Asian ports, leading to container shortages in some areas.
Villanueva observed that the growing number of attacks is being carried out by groups that are “heavily armed, organized, and more numerous than ever.”
“We encountered 25 or 30 pirates in the same attack,” he added. “They are very well coordinated with satellite phones and heavy weapons.”
Roots of Somali Piracy
Since November, there have been 30 attacks on commercial ships, fishing boats, and sailboats. Recent incidents include the December hostage-taking on the Malta-flagged MV Ruen, with its 18-member crew rescued by Indian, Japanese, and Spanish warships. This marked the first successful hijacking off the Somali coast since 2017, according to the International Maritime Bureau.
Piracy off the Somali coast began with the outbreak of the civil war in the early 1990s. The number of piracy incidents peaked in 2011, with 237 incidents, during which pirates held 32 ships and 736 people hostage.
Last month, the Houthis conducted the highest number of attacks on commercial ships in 2024, targeting 16 vessels.
The resurgence of Somali piracy, fueled by the ongoing conflict and instability in the region, has prompted a renewed international focus on maritime security.
The European naval forces have reported that the recent surge in attacks has been the most significant since the peak of Somali piracy, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated global response to address this escalating threat.
