Somalia pirates hijack cargo ship carrying Turkish weapons

Six Indians were among a 10-member crew aboard a Cameroon-flagged cargo ship hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia on August 17, 2026. The vessel, identified as the MV LUTUF, was reportedly carrying Turkish weapons bound for a military training facility in Mogadishu when it was seized approximately three-and-a-half nautical miles from Marraya in the Puntland region.

According to a Somali official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the ship was taken toward the Nugaal coast after the boarding. The crew comprises six Indian nationals, one Turkish national, one Georgian, and two Serbian security guards. The vessel is owned by Polar Movement Shipping and was also transporting communications and satellite equipment.

Eight pirates, believed to be linked to a group previously involved in the hijacking of the MV Sward on April 26, carried out the seizure. Following the hijacking, the vessel was moved toward the coast near Garmaal in the Dangoroyo district. In response, two Turkish-owned vessels approached the LUTUF, and Turkish helicopters and drones were reported to be monitoring the area.

On August 18, a small boat with two men approached the hijacked ship and delivered khat,...