Middle East Maritime Security News

Puntland Forces Free Sanctioned Tanker Sibu 1 After Pirate Hijacking

Somali authorities in the semi-autonomous Puntland region confirmed the release of the product tanker Sibu 1, which had been hijacked by pirates in August. While official statements describe a planned counter-piracy operation, conflicting reports suggest a violent gun battle involving tribal militias. The vessel, previously sanctioned by the US for transporting Iranian oil, was one of at least 13 ships attacked in the region this year, signaling a resurgence of piracy as naval resources are diverted elsewhere.