Turkish, Somali forces free pirate-seized vessel in Somalia

Turkish navy and Somali armed forces have freed a hijacked vessel in Somali waters and killed 14 alleged pirates following a battle that lasted several days, Somalia's government said, Report informs via DW.

"During the 10-day operation, four boats used by the pirates were destroyed and 14 pirates were killed," said a Somali Defense Ministry statement. "The sustained military pressure finally forced the remaining pirates to abandon the ship."

The MV LUTUF, a Cameroon-flagged vessel, was hijacked on August 17 off the coast of the Nugaal region of Puntland state. The joint Türkiye-Somalia operation was carried out as part of a defense cooperation agreement between the two countries.

The ministry did not provide details about any casualties or the well-being of the crew aboard the vessel but said, "The forces subsequently secured the MV LATUF, which has now safely resumed its journey."

According to AFP news agency sources, at least eight members of the crew were on board, including one Turkish national.