Somali Pirates Hijack Oil Tanker with Egyptian, Syrian Sailors off Yemen

 A St. Kitts flagged oil tanker was reportedly hijacked by Somali pirates off the coast of Yemen  on Monday.

The hijack comes as maritime interdiction forces of the US and other nations are focused on the Strait of Hormuz crisis allowing Somali pirates to take advantage of the laxity and hijack the ship.

The ship was sailing to the Kenyan port of Mombasa when it was intercepted by Somali pirates.

The United Arab Emirates has condemned the hijacking of an oil tanker off the coast of Yemen carrying a number of Egyptian sailors, which was subsequently taken into Somali territorial waters. The UAE affirmed that such criminal acts constitute a direct threat to maritime security and the safety of international trade routes.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed its support for all efforts aimed at ensuring their safety and securing their release. The Ministry also underscored the importance of intensifying international efforts to combat piracy and organised crime in vital maritime corridors.

Furthermore, the Ministry stressed that the security of maritime navigation constitutes a fundamental pillar of global economic stability and international trade.

In this regard, the UAE reiterated its call for enhanced regional and international cooperation to safeguard commercial vessels, ensure the safety of their crews, and preserve the security and stability of maritime navigation.