Turkish naval forces and Somalia’s armed forces have regained control of a commercial vessel seized by pirates in Somali waters following a joint operation lasting 10 days, according to Somali authorities.
The operation to recover the MV LATUF resulted in the deaths of 14 suspected pirates, while four boats being used by the armed group were destroyed, according to information released by Somalia’s government.
Somalia’s Ministry of Defence said sustained military pressure eventually forced the remaining pirates to abandon the vessel and flee.
Security personnel subsequently boarded and secured the ship, clearing it to resume its voyage after determining that it was safe to proceed.
Crew members reported safe
Sources in Puntland, Somalia’s semi-autonomous region, said at least eight crew members were aboard the vessel, including one Turkish national.
Somali authorities said the ship resumed its journey safely after the operation, although further details about the condition of individual crew members were not immediately provided.
The joint mission highlights growing security cooperation between Türkiye and Somalia, particularly in protecting maritime routes and countering piracy off the strategically important Horn of Africa.