Somali Pirates

Somali pirates are maritime criminals operating off the coast of Somalia, primarily engaging in hostage-taking, cargo theft, and ransom demands on ships passing through the region. Their activities are driven by economic hardship, weak governance, and a lack of effective law enforcement, which create conditions for illegal activity. These pirates often hijack large vessels and hold crews hostage to extract ransom payments. International efforts, including naval patrols and improved security measures, aim to deter piracy, but challenges remain due to Somalia's political instability and vast coastline.