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Tanzanian-flagged tanker from Yemen hijacked by suspected Somali pirates
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- A Tanzanian-flagged tanker, the MT ASANA, was hijacked by seven armed Somali pirates off Yemen’s coast after departing Mukalla, Yemen, and has been moved to waters off Somalia’s northeastern Bari region.
- The vessel is currently held near Caluula in Puntland’s Bari region, traveling slowly at about 2 knots, consistent with a distress signal sent during the hijacking.
- Details about the number and nationality of crew members, as well as any injuries, remain unclear, and no official statements have been made by Puntland authorities, the vessel’s owner, or international naval forces.
- This incident marks a resurgence of Somali pirate activity in the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean, attributed to ongoing maritime insecurity and reduced international naval patrols in the region.
