Türkiye, Somalia retake pirate-seized vessel after 10-day operation

Turkish and Somali forces have regained control of the commercial vessel MV LATUF after a 10-day joint operation against pirates in Somali waters.

Somalia’s Defence Ministry said 14 suspected pirates were killed and four boats used by the armed group were destroyed during the operation.

The ministry said sustained military pressure forced the remaining pirates to abandon the vessel and flee. Security personnel subsequently boarded and secured the ship before allowing it to resume its voyage.

At least eight crew members, including one Turkish national, were reportedly aboard the vessel and were reported safe.

The Cameroon-flagged MV LATUF was sailing from Türkiye to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, when it was seized. Reports have also claimed that the vessel was carrying Turkish-manufactured weapons, although Somali federal authorities and Puntland officials have not confirmed the claim.

The operation highlights growing defence and maritime security cooperation between Türkiye and Somalia amid continued piracy risks in the Horn of Africa and western Indian Ocean.