Piracy incidents off the coast of Somalia have surged, with at least 13 ships attacked since January, including two cargo vessels seized last week. This increase is attributed to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, which has diverted international naval resources and heightened insecurity in the region, particularly in the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The resurgence of piracy is compounded by local grievances over foreign fishing practices that threaten the livelihoods of Somali communities. Experts warn that without improved security measures and economic conditions, piracy may continue to pose a significant threat to maritime trade in this crucial area.