Five sailors were killed on September 29, 2026, in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland in Somalia. This incident followed an anti-piracy operation by the Puntland maritime police. All ships that were held by pirates in this area were freed; however, one of them remains captive in a neighboring country.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, all the deceased were members of the crew of the Honour 25, which had been held by pirates since April 21. The Puntland maritime police stated that the five deceased sailors included three from Pakistan, one from Myanmar, and one from India. In one account of the incident, it was claimed that the pirates had killed the crew members before the government operation began.
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Local reports indicate that these sailors lost their lives during a gunfight between the pirates and Puntland forces. One report states that the pirates were preparing to flee the ship and had offered to surrender. Additionally, unconfirmed information suggests that among the deceased were the chief engineer of the ship, the second officer, and the third engineer.
Consequences and Reactions
In total, four of the 17 sailors present on the Honour 25 were also injured, three of whom were Pakistani and one Indian. The Puntland maritime police announced that 16 pirates had been arrested and handed over to the authorities, while others fled towards the coast and inland areas and were pursued.
Meanwhile, the pirates who had control of the Togo-flagged ship Eureka were attempting to escape with the ship, and some reports indicate that they also tried to set the ship on fire before abandoning it. Nearly 30 pirates were trying to escape, but they also evacuated the 12-member crew of the ship and surrendered to local authorities.
This operation was the third action by the maritime police in recent days, starting with the release of the Sibu 1. They also assisted Turkish forces who freed another ship earlier this month. Reports indicate that one ship paid a ransom for its release.
The Puntland maritime police have now announced that the number of arrested pirates has increased to 46, and one of them was killed during the release of Sibu 1. These ships are now under the control of Puntland forces, and reports suggest that the pirates have damaged the Honour 25, which is currently being towed.
Egyptian officials announced that high-level diplomatic actions have been taken, and eight Egyptian sailors rescued from the Eureka will be returned to their country. Both the Honour 25 and Eureka were carrying petroleum products at the time of their seizure, and reports indicate that the pirates were stealing and selling fuel.
The Puntland maritime police stated that these operations are part of their ongoing efforts to combat the resurgence of piracy and prevent the establishment of safe havens or operational bases along the Puntland coast. Local officials have promised to vigorously combat piracy efforts that originate from their shores. However, reports indicate that some pirates have escaped custody, which local officials have denied.
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