By Zamzam Daqare. - Reporter
BOSASO (Dawan), August 30, 2026 – Puntland’s Ministry of Security said the MV LATUF and its crew regained their freedom after being held by armed pirates off the Puntland coast since August 17, but denied that the vessel was freed through a joint operation by Somalia’s Federal Government and Türkiye.
The ministry was responding to a statement issued by Somalia’s Ministry of Defence on August 29, which said Somali forces and the Turkish Navy had freed the vessel in a joint operation. Puntland presented a different account of how the vessel was released.
Puntland alleged that officials from Somalia’s Federal Government and Türkiye facilitated a ransom payment to secure the vessel’s release, warning that paying pirates could undermine international efforts to combat piracy and encourage further maritime crime.
The ministry said it had monitored communications between Federal Government officials and the group holding the vessel, which it alleged were intended to facilitate the payment of a ransom.
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Puntland also condemned what it described as strikes by Turkish forces near the Garmaal and Jifle coasts on August 18 and 20, alleging that Somali civilians were killed and fishing boats destroyed.
The ministry said investigative authorities were gathering information about the incidents and that Puntland would hold the Turkish government responsible for what it described as civilian deaths.
Puntland called on international partners, particularly the European Union, the United States and other countries involved in maritime security, to strengthen cooperation in combating piracy and other crimes at sea.
Dawan could not independently verify Puntland’s allegations regarding the ransom payment, the reported strikes or casualties. The Federal Government has presented a different account of the vessel’s release.