Monday May 6, 2024
Kismayo (HOL) - Jubbaland State police forces have arrested
four suspected pirates, reportedly planning attacks on ships in Somali waters
following a security operation near Kismayo town.
The operation took place approximately 70 km south of the
coastal town of Kismayo, the interim capital of Jubbaland State. Two suspects
managed to escape during the operation.
The commander of the police department of Lower Jubba, Major
Sadiq Mohamud, stated that they have obtained a list of people involved in
financing piracy activities intended for execution in Jubbaland. He added that
the arrested men planned to hijack ships and boats carrying goods in Jubbaland
areas.
A few days ago, Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) seized
illegal weapons and dismantled a network of suspected pirates operating from
the coastal district of Eyl, known as a strategic base for launching attacks on
international shipping.
According to the PMPF statement on Friday, regional state
authorities are actively seeking the pirates involved in the MV Abdullah
hijacking, a Bangladeshi-flagged cargo ship released by Somali pirates last
month following weeks of negotiations and a $5 million ransom payment.