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Turkish naval forces and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) carried out a joint operation to free a cargo ship that had been seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia, killing 14 pirates and destroying four of their boats, Somalia's Ministry of Defence said.
The vessel, the MV Latuf, was hijacked on August 17 by pirates off Jifle, near the town of Eyl in Somalia's northeastern Nugaal region, according to a written statement from the ministry. The rescue operation lasted 10 days.
Sustained pressure from the Turkish and Somali security forces eventually forced the remaining pirates to abandon the vessel, the ministry said. Security forces went on to take full control of the MV Latuf, which has since resumed its voyage safely.
The ministry did not disclose further details on the nationality of the crew, the ship's cargo, or its intended destination.
The ministry underscored that piracy is a serious offense carrying heavy penalties, warning that those involved in such acts, as well as their supporters and anyone who facilitates or turns a blind eye to them, will be held accountable and brought to justice.
Somalia's Defence Ministry praised the SNAF and the Turkish Navy for their cooperation in the operation and reiterated its commitment to protecting the country's coastline and territorial waters, combating piracy, and ensuring the security of maritime transport.
The operation was carried out under a defense cooperation agreement between Somalia and Türkiye, which the ministry said has strengthened joint efforts to secure Somalia's coastline, safeguard maritime security, and combat piracy.
That cooperation stems from the Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement signed by Türkiye and Somalia in February 2024, which extended beyond broader defense ties to include strengthening Somalia's maritime security capacity.
Under the deal, Türkiye committed to supporting the protection of Somalia's maritime jurisdiction areas, securing marine resources, and countering illegal activities at sea. Türkiye has also long maintained military training and capacity-building programs in Somalia.
Piracy off Somalia's coast, particularly in the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean, surged in the late 2000s and early 2010s before international naval patrols and onshore security efforts sharply reduced attacks, though sporadic hijackings have continued to occur in the years since.
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