MOGADISHU (SD) -Piracy in Somalia is reported to have resurged with attacks on merchant ships and fishing vessels in recent months.

Security agencies confirm emerging reports that a significant increase in pirate activities has been observed, particularly in the waters off the coast of Somalia.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has acknowledged receiving reports indicating that a ship has been hijacked in the waters near Somalia.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations further suggests that the hijacked ship “Emerat-2” was last observed in the northern waters off the Yemeni coast. The current situation and the fate of those on board remain unclear.

The hijacking reportedly occurred approximately 8 nautical miles north of the Eyl district in the Puntland region of Somalia. This incident follows a series of earlier pirate attacks that began in early December.

It is noted that one of the concerns raised is that pirates might employ smaller fishing vessels for attacks on larger ships, taking advantage of the relatively reduced naval presence in the region.