Maritime security forces have launched drone strikes against pirate camps along the coast of Somalia following a sharp increase in high-seas hijackings that threatens essential shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden.

The air strikes follow the hijacking of two cargo vessels within four days last week, bringing the total number of targeted ships near Somalia to at least 13 since the start of the year. The sudden surge represents the most serious resurgence of piracy in the region in over a decade.

The rise in attacks comes as commercial shipping already faces widespread disruption from regional conflict and naval blockades linked to ongoing hostilities between the United States and Iran.

Commenting on the uptick in attacks, Omar Mahmood, Senior Somalia Analyst at the International Crisis Group, explained that criminal networks are taking advantage of diverted naval patrols and heightened geopolitical tensions around Somalia.

“Piracy is always a crime of opportunity, and right now the pirates see an opportunity,” Mahmood said.

–ChannelAfrica–