Freed cargo vessel leaves Somalia after joint operation

Turkish and Somali forces have successfully concluded a 10-day military operation to free a hijacked cargo vessel, killing 14 pirates and destroying four of their boats in the process. The operation, which ended on August 30, 2026, secured the MV LATUF and allowed it to resume its voyage after being held captive off the coast of Somalia.

The Cameroon-flagged vessel was seized by pirates on August 17, 2026, in waters off the Nugaal region of Puntland, a semi-autonomous state in northeastern Somalia. According to a statement from the Somali Ministry of Defence, Turkish naval forces, working alongside the Somali national army, maintained continuous military pressure on the hijackers throughout the operation. This sustained effort ultimately compelled the remaining pirates to abandon the ship, after which Turkish forces secured the vessel and ensured its safe passage. The MV LATUF has since continued its journey to its reported destination of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Sources in Puntland indicated that at least eight crew members were on board the vessel, including one Turkish national. The ship had departed from the Turkish port of Tekirdag in late July before being intercepted. The...