BOSASO (KAAB TV) – In a bold move to safeguard its coastal waters, the Puntland Maritime Police Forces (PMPF), a regional force in northeastern Somalia, have intensified security measures along the Red Sea, a vital global trade route.
Commander Jama Ahmed Mumin, head of Puntland maritime police forces, revealed that patrols are being conducted to protect ships navigating through the Red Sea.
Commander Mumin, who spoke to the media following a training drill near the Bosaso port on Tuesday, has made a resolute commitment to rescue the hijacked Bulgarian ship, the MV Ruen, which fell victim to Somali pirates last month.
The Maltese-flagged bulk carrier is currently being held near Eyl town, with at least 17 crew members on board, Puntland maritime police said.
Among them, a Bulgarian sailor sustained injuries during an exchange of fire with the pirates and was subsequently evacuated by Indian navy forces.
“Our forces are prepared to launch an operation to rescue the hijacked Bulgarian ship that was initially seized in the Arabian Sea and has now been moved towards our coast. The ship is currently held near Eyl town, and our maritime forces will take necessary measures to rescue them by force,” stated Commander Mumin, underscoring Puntland’s commitment to maritime security.
Furthermore, Commander Mumin expressed his determination to eliminate Somali pirates within the year, highlighting the ongoing threat they pose to the region.
Puntland Maritime Police Forces, comprising six thousand soldiers, were established in 2010 with bases strategically positioned in Bosaso, Hafun, Eyl, Bargala, and Qandala.
The Red Sea crisis fueled by the Iranian-backed Yemen’s Houthi rebels has adversely affected Puntland fishers, limiting their movements within their own territory.
“The Red Sea conflict heavily affected Puntland fishers as they can’t go hundred kilometers inside our territory as their movements are restricted due to the attacks on the vessels in the sea,” Mumin explained.
Located on the northeastern of Somalia, Puntland boasts a coastline stretching 1,600 kilometers (990 miles), primarily along the Red Sea. This vast expanse not only serves as a strategic maritime asset but also constitutes the primary fishing grounds for local fishermen in the region.
Recent successes in anti-piracy efforts were reported, with one Sri Lankan and one Iranian vessel being freed following hijackings by Somali pirates.
Seychelles and Indian forces conducted operations, leading to the successful liberation of the two vessels on Monday.
However, the attacks on vessels in the Red Sea continue to raise concerns about the overall security of the region’s waters.
Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, the Houthi militia group has intensified their campaign targeting ships in the Red Sea.
In response, a US-led operation is currently underway to protect merchant vessels sailing in the Red Sea against potential Houthi attacks, underscoring the complex and challenging nature of maritime security in the region.