Pirates Hijack Cargo Vessel Off Somalia, Six Indians Among Crew

Six Indians were among a 10-member crew aboard a Cameroon-flagged cargo vessel that was reportedly hijacked by pirates off Somalia's Puntland coast earlier this week, according to a Somali official.

The M/V LUTUF, owned by Polar Movement Shipping, was seized on Monday and taken towards the Nugaal coast. The vessel was reportedly carrying Turkish weapons bound for a military training facility in Mogadishu, along with communications and satellite equipment.

Vessel Hijacked Off Puntland Coast

According to the Somali official, the ship was hijacked around three-and-a-half nautical miles off Marraya in Puntland's Eyl district.

The crew comprised six Indian nationals, one Turkish national, one Georgian national and two Serbian security guards.

Turkish authorities had not immediately commented on the incident, while India's Ministry of External Affairs had also not issued a response.

Eight Pirates Allegedly Took Control Of Vessel

Eight pirates, allegedly linked to the group that hijacked the M/V Sward on April 26, reportedly took the LUTUF towards the Puntland coast near Garmaal in Dangoroyo district.

Two Turkish-owned vessels later moved towards the hijacked ship, while Turkish helicopters and drones were reportedly deployed to monitor the situation.

Airstrike Reportedly Kills Four

On Tuesday, a small boat carrying two men approached the hijacked vessel and delivered khat, a stimulant commonly chewed in Somalia.

After the boat returned to shore, an airstrike reportedly took place, killing four people and injuring two, according to the Somali official.

It remained unclear who carried out the airstrike or whether those killed were linked to the hijacking.

The condition of the LUTUF, its crew and the cargo was also not immediately known.

The Associated Press said it could not independently verify all the details provided by the Somali official.