EYL — The Federal Government of Somalia has confirmed that Turkish forces, working alongside the Somali National Army, carried out an operation that resulted in the rescue of the MV Lutuf, a vessel reportedly seized by suspected pirates near Jifle in Eyl district, Nugaal region.
According to the Somali government, the joint forces moved against the group holding the vessel and successfully regained control of the ship. The operation represents a significant security response along Somalia’s coastline, where authorities have been working to counter renewed piracy and other maritime crimes.
The government has not provided details on what happened to the individuals who were holding the vessel. It remains unclear whether any suspected pirates were arrested, killed, or managed to escape from the area before or during the operation. Authorities have also not released detailed information about the number of people involved in the incident.
The Somali government issued a strong warning to what it described as “pirates and those supporting or backing them,” saying that authorities would take action against individuals involved in maritime criminal activities.
Somali authorities also reported the deaths of individuals described as fishermen in the area, although officials have yet to provide comprehensive details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The government has not publicly clarified the identities of those killed, the exact number of victims, or who was responsible for the reported deaths.
Further information is expected as authorities investigate the incident and assess the security situation around Jifle and the wider Eyl coastline.
The operation highlights the growing security cooperation between Somalia and Türkiye, particularly in the areas of military training, counterterrorism and maritime security.
Eyl and the surrounding coastline have historically been associated with piracy activity, making the area strategically important for Somali authorities seeking to prevent attacks on commercial and fishing vessels.
The rescue of the MV Lutuf also comes amid renewed international concern over maritime security in the waters around Somalia and the Gulf of Aden. Somalia has repeatedly called for stronger cooperation with international partners to protect its territorial waters, combat piracy and prevent criminal networks from exploiting its long coastline.
The Federal Government’s warning appears intended not only for individuals directly involved in the seizure of vessels but also for alleged networks that provide logistical, financial or other forms of support to maritime criminals.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the coastline following the operation, particularly areas where suspected pirate groups may attempt to regroup.
For now, the Somali government says the MV Lutuf has been successfully recovered, while questions remain over the fate of the suspected pirates and the reported deaths of fishermen.
The Somali authorities have not yet released a full operational account, including the number of personnel involved, casualties, arrests or the precise circumstances of the rescue.
