Turkish-Somali Forces Free Hijacked Cargo Ship Off Somalia

Turkish and Somali forces have freed the cargo ship Lutuf after a 10-day operation against pirates who hijacked the vessel off Somalia’s Puntland coast earlier this month, according to Somalia’s Ministry of Defense.

The Cameroon-flagged vessel was hijacked on August 17 in waters off Jiifle in the Eyl district of Somalia’s Nugaal region, becoming one of six merchant ships being held by pirates in the region.

In a statement, Somalia’s defense ministry said the Turkish Navy, working with the Somali National Armed Forces, maintained pressure on the pirates until the remaining attackers abandoned the vessel.

“During the 10-day operation, four boats