PMPF Seizes Control of Hijacked Vessel After Months in Pirate Hands, Rescuing Crew and Cargo
Bandarbeyla (WDN) — Puntland security forces have successfully freed the MT Honour 25, a commercial vessel that had reportedly been held by pirates off the coast of Bandarbayla in the Karkaar region since April, in a major maritime operation hailed as another significant blow against piracy along Somalia’s coastline.
Puntland authorities said the operation was carried out by the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), which stormed the vessel and regained control after the pirates had held it for months.
In a statement, Puntland said its maritime forces had captured the MT Honour and brought the pirate group under control. Two suspected pirates were reportedly wounded during the operation, while the remaining members of the group were apprehended. Puntland said the vessel’s crew were safe and that the cargo and property aboard the ship remained secure.
The successful operation marks another important demonstration of Puntland’s maritime security capabilities at a time when piracy remains a persistent threat to commercial shipping in the waters off Somalia.
Negotiations Preceded the Operation
Reports indicated that some members of the pirate group had left the vessel a day earlier following discussions with Puntland authorities, before the security forces completed the operation to secure the ship.
The development appears to have combined negotiation and security measures, ultimately allowing Puntland forces to regain control of the vessel without reported harm to its crew.
The MT Honour 25, sailing under the flag of Palau, was reportedly claimed by Somali businessman Osman Shire Quud, who is from Puntland. He said the vessel had been transporting fuel destined for Mogadishu.
Second Vessel Freed in Days
The operation comes only days after Puntland forces also freed the SIBU 1, another vessel that had reportedly been held by pirates along the Puntland coast.
That operation involved personnel from an Iraqi company associated with the vessel, who participated alongside Puntland forces in efforts to recover the ship.
The two successful operations in a short period underscore the continuing importance of coordinated maritime security efforts between Puntland authorities, vessel owners and international shipping interests.
A Significant Success Against Piracy
The recovery of the MT Honour 25 is a welcome development for the crew, the vessel’s owners and the wider maritime community. It demonstrates that piracy operations along Somalia’s coastline can be disrupted when security forces combine intelligence, negotiation and decisive action.
For Puntland, the safe recovery of the vessel and its crew represents not only a successful security operation but also a reaffirmation of its stated commitment to protecting commercial shipping and preventing its coastline from becoming a safe haven for pirate groups.
The safe return of the Honour 25 is therefore a moment worth recognizing: a vessel held for months has been recovered, its crew are safe, and another pirate operation has been brought to an end.
WardheerNews