Somali Piracy

Somali piracy refers to acts of armed robbery at sea, primarily off the coast of Somalia, particularly from the early 2000s to the early 2010s. It emerged due to political instability, lack of a functioning government, and economic desperation in Somalia. Pirates hijacked commercial ships for ransom, targeting vessels passing through the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. International naval forces responded to improve maritime security, leading to a significant decline in piracy incidents. Today, piracy remains a threat, but coordinated efforts and better shipping practices have reduced the risks substantially.