Is piracy making a comeback off the coast of Somalia?

Recent attacks on ships off the coast of Somalia have raised concerns about a possible resurgence of piracy in the region. The European Union naval force responsible for maritime security in East Africa reported that at least 14 vessels have been hijacked off the Somali coast since late November. These attacks include the hijacking of an Iranian-flagged fishing boat and a Liberian-flagged ship. The crews of these vessels were eventually rescued, but the attackers remain in control of the MV Ruen, a ship carrying a Maltese flag, and 17 crew members are still held captive. The Indian navy has also responded to several incidents, including freeing 19 crew members from Somali pirates. The recent increase in attacks may be attributed to a security gap that hijackers are exploiting. International forces have been patrolling these waters since 2005, but the focus has recently shifted to the Red Sea where Yemen's Houthi rebel group has been attacking. The International Maritime Bureau has estimated that pirates off the Horn of Africa made between $339m and $413m through ransom payments between 2005 and 2012. The recent hijackings are believed to be motivated by a desire for ransoms, though the exact intentions of the hijackers remain unknown. The International Maritime Bureau expressed concern about the hijackings and their potential to encourage more attacks, while the Indian Ocean Commission called for an emergency meeting to address the situation. The outcome of the hijacking of the MV Ruen is seen as a test to determine if piracy remains profitable, and could lead to a resurgence in attacks after the monsoon season. However, experts believe that international naval forces are still capable of preventing a full-scale return to piracy in the region. The European Union naval force and other forces from India and the US have successfully foiled numerous attacks in the past. However, it has been noted that the international naval presence in the region has been reduced, with EUNavfor currently operating on a single ship. To address the issue, experts suggest resolving geopolitical conflicts and paying attention to diplomatic tensions in Somalia to ensure that piracy does not become a larger threat.