Somali pirates have hijacked two ships in four days, raising concerns that piracy is making a major comeback in waters off Somalia and Yemen amid growing regional instability. The latest incidents include the seizure of the Cameroon-flagged M/V LUTUF off Somalia’s Puntland coast and the hijacking of the Eritrean-flagged SIBU 1 tanker off Yemen. The LUTUF was reportedly carrying Turkish weapons and equipment bound for a military training facility in Mogadishu. The LUTUF’s 10-member crew included six Indians, one Turkish national, one Georgian and two Serbian security guards. Eight pirates reportedly took the vessel toward the Nugaal coast near Garmaal in Puntland’s Dangoroyo district.

Somali officials said, six ships are currently being held by pirates, including the two seized this week, with more than 100 crew members being held hostage across those vessels. More than 17 piracy-related incidents were documented across Somali waters and the Gulf of Aden during the first five months of the year, including the hijacking of at least three commercial ships and five dhow boats. Experts say regional conflict, economic difficulties for fishermen and reduced maritime security are contributing to the resurgence. Somali piracy previously peaked around 2010, when hundreds of vessels were seized and shipping companies and insurers faced billions of dollars in losses.