Somalia’s Puntland security forces arrested suspected pirates Sunday during operations in the Bari region, as authorities intensify efforts to counter renewed piracy threats off Somalia’s coast.
Puntland security officials said the suspects are believed to be linked to pirate networks involved in attacks, kidnappings and attempted hijackings targeting commercial vessels in Somali waters and nearby Red Sea shipping routes.
The operations are part of a broader campaign to prevent piracy groups from reestablishing bases along Puntland’s coast, where authorities have raised concerns over the impact of renewed attacks on shipping, port operations and regional trade.
Police commanders in the Karkaar region warned that anyone who supports, shelters or works with pirate groups will face legal action.
“We will take strict action against anyone involved in supporting acts of piracy,” police officials said, adding that the arrested suspects would be brought before the courts.
Officials said investigations would also examine people suspected of assisting pirate groups, including relatives or associates if there is evidence of support.
The Puntland administration said repeated piracy incidents could damage commercial shipping and disrupt port activity, posing a threat to trade and the regional economy.
Authorities said anti-piracy operations would continue on land and at sea to dismantle networks accused of trying to revive piracy along Somalia’s coastline.
Piracy off Somalia declined sharply over the past decade after international naval patrols, armed guards on vessels and regional security efforts helped reduce attacks.
But recent incidents have renewed fears that pirate groups may be trying to exploit insecurity in the Red Sea and parts of the Somali coast.
