Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) has warned that the hijacking of a small Yemeni fishing boat off the coast of Somalia is likely a prelude to an attack on a larger vessel.
It stated that, given the ongoing situation, all ships navigating the Western Indian Ocean and waters off Somalia should remain vigilant.
The warning comes after suspected Somali pirates hijacked a Yemeni-flagged fishing vessel off the coast of the semi-autonomous Puntland region in northeastern Somalia on Sunday. This marks the second such incident in two months.
The EU Naval Force in Somalia reported that seven hijackers are still aboard the vessel. In a security bulletin sent to all ships in the area, the U.S. Navy stated that although the incident remains under investigation and further details will emerge, it is “likely” that the hijackers intend to reach the high seas and attack commercial vessels.
