Puntland Warns Against Pirate Ransoms

Garowe (WDN) — Puntland’s government has warned against paying ransom to pirates holding vessels off its coastline, arguing that such payments would only strengthen and encourage the resurgence of piracy.

In a statement, Puntland’s Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources said ransom payments create a financial incentive for pirate groups and risk turning coastal communities into the victims of a renewed maritime security crisis.

The warning comes amid growing concern over a series of piracy incidents off Somalia’s northeastern coast. Six vessels are reportedly being held by armed groups, with demands for ransoms running into millions of dollars.

But amid the renewed fight against piracy, an even more troubling question has emerged: who is protecting innocent fishermen caught in the crossfire?