Somali pirates begin hijacking ships again after Houthi attacks create security vacuum

The recent capture of MV Abdullah, carrying 55,000 tonnes of coal from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates, comes after the seizure of the Maltese-flagged bulk cargo ship Ruen in December. That was the first successful hijacking involving Somali pirates since 2017, who back in their heyday from 2005 captured dozens of ships in a campaign estimated to have cost world trade several billions of dollars. Up to £325 million ($413 million) was taken in ransom between 2005 and 2012, according to the World Bank, and at the height of the crisis pirates were holding 32 vessels and 736 hostages. This dangerous resurgence has been sparked by the rise of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, which has diverted naval resources. Read more here: #somali #pirates #cargoship Subscribe to The Telegraph with our special offer: just £1 for 3 months. Start y