Pirate Groups Attack Two Vessels

Pirate groups have attacked two commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the eastern coasts of Puntland, which ultimately escaped attempts to hijack them.

The cargo ship Greta Star, flying the Panama flag, was reportedly approached on June 15 by armed men aboard a small boat while it was passing the southern coast of Yemen.

The maritime security company Vanguard Tech stated that the pirate group opened heavy fire on the vessel, but the crew increased the ship's speed, taking security measures that caused the attack to fail.

Additionally, in the past hours, another general cargo ship flying the Palau flag was also attacked approximately 32 nautical miles south of the district of Hafun in the Bari region.

It was reported that this ship was attacked by two boats carrying up to 12 armed men, who opened fire on the vessel, ordering it to stop.

The private security team aboard the ship also returned fire at the attacking group, and the exchange of gunfire lasted nearly 30 minutes before the attacking boats were driven away.

These incidents come as three vessels are currently held off the coasts of Puntland, and the activities of Somali pirates have increased.

The President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, recently accused the Federal Government of Somalia, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, of the resurgence of piracy off the coasts of Somalia, particularly in Puntland.

PUNTLAND POST