Somali pirates have seized a Tanzanian-flagged fuel and chemical tanker, the MT Asana, while it was traveling from Yemen through the Gulf of Aden.Local sources in Somalia’s Puntland region report that the vessel is being held by pirates who are transporting food supplies to the crew.The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the incident as a hijacking after the ship was moved into Somali territorial waters.

Tanzanian authorities, led by Chief Government Spokesperson Mr Gerson Msigwa, are investigating the vessel’s connection to Tanzania and will release an official statement once they have verified details.This marks a resurgence of Somali piracy in the region, which had declined between 2008-2018 but has recently increased.The hijacked ship carries cargo bound for Tanzania, raising concerns about security in maritime routes.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in combating piracy off the Horn of Africa, where such attacks have historically disrupted trade and international shipping.