Somali, Turkish Forces Free Hijacked MV Lutuf, 14 Pirates Killed in 10-Day Operation
Somali and Turkish forces have regained control of the hijacked MV Lutuf after a 10-day operation off Puntland, with Somalia’s Defence Ministry saying four pirate boats were destroyed and 14 suspected pirates killed.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Somali Report) — Somali and Turkish forces have regained control of the Cameroon-flagged cargo vessel MV Lutuf after a 10-day operation to free the ship from pirates who hijacked it off Somalia’s Puntland coast, Somalia’s Defence Ministry said Saturday.
The vessel was seized on August 17 by at least eight armed men while sailing near Jiifle, in Eyl district of Nugaal region. Maritime security authorities had reported the crew safe shortly after the hijacking, while the vessel was taken towards the Somali coast.
In a statement, Somalia’s Defence Ministry said the joint operation resulted in the destruction of four boats allegedly used by the pirates and the deaths of 14 people described as pirates.
The ministry said Somali and Turkish forces eventually took full control of the MV Lutuf and handed the vessel back to its crew. The ship is now sailing safely, it added.
The ministry did not provide details on where or when the reported 14 deaths occurred, nor did it identify the units involved in the operation. Earlier reports had documented a Turkish-linked airstrike near Garmaal, in which four suspected pirates were reportedly killed, although the circumstances and identities of those killed could not initially be independently verified.
The hijacking triggered a Turkish military response around the vessel. Two Turkish-owned ships moved into the area, while Turkish helicopters and drones monitored the coastline, according to an account cited by The Associated Press. A small boat approaching the vessel was later targeted in an airstrike that reportedly killed four men and wounded two.
The MV Lutuf, owned by Turkish-linked Polar Movement Shipping and flying the Cameroon flag, was reportedly carrying weapons, communications equipment and satellite technology bound for a Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu. The vessel had 10 crew members, including six Indians, one Turkish national, one Georgian and two Serbian security guards.
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The Defence Ministry said the operation was conducted under the framework of the defence cooperation agreement between Somalia and Turkey, which provides for closer coordination in protecting Somalia’s coastline, strengthening maritime security and combating piracy.
The ministry described piracy as a serious criminal offence carrying severe penalties and warned pirate groups and anyone supporting their activities against engaging in such operations.
The release of the MV Lutuf comes as Somali piracy has shown renewed signs of activity after years of decline. Several commercial vessels have been hijacked or seized by suspected Somali pirate groups since April, raising fresh concerns among maritime security organisations and shipping operators.
The resurgence has taken place as international naval forces remain focused on wider maritime threats in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, creating concerns that reduced pressure on Somali pirate networks could allow them to rebuild their capabilities.
Somalia’s Defence Ministry said the government would continue working with Turkey and other international partners to strengthen coastal security and prevent further pirate attacks.
The ministry did not disclose whether any ransom was demanded or paid in connection with the release of the MV Lutuf.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.