Release of Iranian Fishing Boat After Death of Seven Somali Pirates

According to some news sources, an Iranian fishing boat that was reportedly hijacked by Somali pirates with 15 crew members last week has been freed following an exchange of gunfire, resulting in the deaths of several pirates. Details of the operation and the fate of the Iranian crew have not yet been released. Reuters reported on Tuesday, November 24, that an Iranian fishing boat floating in the northern waters of Somalia was hijacked, and all 15 crew members were taken hostage. In this context, today, Sunday, December 8, AFP reported that the fishing boat was freed in an operation whose details are still unclear, with seven pirates killed and two others wounded. According to this news agency, it is still unclear whether the operation was carried out by the crew of the fishing boat or if international forces were involved. A local fisherman confirmed to AFP the news of the death of seven pirates and the wounding of two others. On the other hand, the German news agency also reported on Sunday that 'eight Somali pirates' who had hijacked the Iranian boat were killed in an armed conflict, and the boat was freed. According to this news agency, a security official in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, stated that the pirates were attacked while they were asleep. Earlier, in September 2015, AFP reported that an Iranian fishing boat that had been held captive by Somali fishermen for over five months managed to escape. This news agency, citing information from a piracy expert institute, reported on Friday, September 6, that the fishing boat 'Jaber' managed to escape from the Somalis. This boat, which was said to have more than 19 crew members, was stopped along with another Iranian boat named 'Siraj' on April 24, 2015, by Somali fishermen. Local Somali officials claimed that these individuals had illegally entered waters owned by the country. Experts have warned that the increase in illegal fishing in Somali waters by foreign vessels threatens the income of local people and may lead to a resurgence of piracy by them. 'Fishing security,' affiliated with the 'Future of One Land Foundation,' warned in a report in September 2015 that if illegal fishing does not cease, there is a possibility that piracy could return to some areas. While illegal fishing has become an excuse for pirates to attack fishing boats, this issue could provoke a new wave of piracy in Somali waters. This claim comes as pirates also target recreational boats, oil tankers, and container ships in their attacks. The local government in the Puntland region of northern Somalia has seized several boats in recent months under the pretext of illegal fishing. In this context, four Iranian fishermen were freed from Somali pirates, and the Iranian fishing boat escaped from the hands of Somali fishermen. Naval clashes between the Iranian army and pirates in the Gulf of Aden have also been reported.