The Turkish Navy joined Somali troops to free a hijacked cargo vessel after a fierce ten-day battle with pirates off Somalia’s coast.
The MV LATUF was seized on Aug. 17 near Jifle in the Eyl district of Nugaal region, Somalia’s Defense Ministry said.
Four pirate boats were destroyed and fourteen pirates killed before the remaining attackers finally abandoned the vessel, the ministry said.
Security forces then seized full control of the ship, allowing it to safely resume its interrupted voyage across the waters.
The rescue stemmed from a 2024 defense pact between Turkey and Somalia strengthening maritime security and anti-piracy cooperation between both nations.
Somalia’s ministry warned that piracy remains a serious crime, vowing to hold perpetrators and their enablers fully accountable under law.