BOSSASO (SD) -Armed pirates have seized a fishing vessel owned by China, carrying 18 crew members, as confirmed by the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR).

The hijacking occurred off the northeastern coast of Puntland, signaling a resurgence in piracy activities in Puntland’s coastal areas.

The pirates who seized the vessel were armed with AK-47 rifles and automatic weapons. No injuries or deaths were reported among the crew, according to an EUNAVFOR statement.

This hijacking of the Chinese vessel comes amid increased maritime activity in Somali waters, following clashes in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb strait that have forced vessels to return to Somali waters to avoid Houthi militia attacks.

Analysts warn that such incidents make Somali waters highly vulnerable to piracy.

EUNAVFOR reported 43 piracy-related incidents between November 2023 and October 2024, with 27 attacks confirmed.

The most recent cases include the hijacking of the MV Abdullah vessel, which was released after a ransom of $5 million was paid.