4/28/2024
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Sri Lankan crew abducted by Somali pirates; diplomatic efforts intensify for safe release
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    Monday January 29, 2024

     

    Mogadishu (HOL) - Sri Lankan diplomats are actively engaging with Somali authorities following the suspected abduction of a fishing vessel and its six crew members by Somali pirates. The incident, two days ago in international waters, has sparked diplomatic negotiations and intensified maritime security efforts.

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    The hijacking, taking place approximately 840 nautical miles east of Somalia and 1,100 nautical miles from Sri Lanka, marks a concerning resurgence of piracy in the region. The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry strives to secure the fishermen's release, with ambassadors in Africa liaising with Somali officials. The abduction comes on the heels of Sri Lanka's commitment to join a U.S.-led operation in the Red Sea, combating attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels.

    Armed individuals boarded the vessel 'Lorenzo Putha 04' from a 23-meter ship, firing warning shots and commandeering the trawler. This incident is the latest in a series of suspected hijackings off Somalia, a decade after pirate attacks severely disrupted international shipping. Sri Lanka's navy has announced plans to dispatch a ship for merchant protection, although specific details are yet to be finalized.

    The Sri Lankan High Commission in Kenya and the Mission in Ethiopia are collaborating closely with the Somali Navy Chief Admiral Abdiwarsame Osman. The European Union Navy Joint Operations Center has been informed of the ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted crew. The Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain, a coalition of 39 countries, has been notified, highlighting the international scope of maritime security operations.
     

     





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