Somali Pirates Exploit US-Iran War and Global Shipping Route Diversions

A network of Somali pirates is reportedly profiting from the escalating US-Israel war in Iran. The conflict is choking traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about 20% of the world’s oil, natural gas, and critical raw material supplies. This is forcing commercial ships to take detours far around the southern tip of Africa. Ironically, this alternative route is bringing the ships directly into the attack zone of pirates in the volatile Somali Basin. These diversions are estimated to add up to US$1 million (about Rp16 billion) per ship, due to increased fuel consumption, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and additional operational costs from the weeks-long journey. This situation is giving pirates a chance to bounce back after years of relative calm in the Somali coastal region. As of May 12, Somali pirates are holding at least three ships: two oil tankers and one general cargo ship, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) advisors. At its peak in 2011, Somali piracy recorded 237 incidents, costing the global economy US$7 billion. Experts fear this dark history will repeat itself as surveillance in the area weakens. Manu Lekunze, an international relations expert from the University of Aberdeen, explains that the war in Iran is creating a security vacuum. Naval fleets that previously focused on suppressing piracy are now diverted to escort cargo ships through the Strait of Hormuz or concentrate in the Persian Gulf. In addition to external factors, Somali MP Mohamed Dini points out that there are indications of a dangerous new alliance. “The pirate network is suspected of forming alliances with Houthi forces in Yemen, who previously targeted ships in the Red Sea,” Dini told CNN. Although there are reports of a shift in naval focus, the European Union’s naval force, Operation Atalanta, has affirmed that its assets remain on standby for anti-piracy operations. Last month, they successfully freed an Iranian-flagged ship that had been hijacked off the coast of Somalia. Currently, EU intelligence believes there are three active pirate action groups in northern Somalia, supported by land-based elements for logistics and sea-based elements for executing attacks. Ships are advised to increase vigilance and report any suspicious activity in the area.