Garowe, Puntland – June 16, 2025 — Authorities in Puntland have released a group of seven Yemeni fishermen who had been detained for nearly two months after being apprehended for illegal fishing in Somali territorial waters. The release was confirmed by the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in Somalia, amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two sides.
The fishermen were captured by Puntland security forces near the coastal waters of Bosaso, a region renowned for its rich marine resources. They were found operating without valid licenses issued by the Puntland Ministry of Fisheries, violating local regulations and Somalia’s maritime sovereignty.
In a statement issued on June 16, 2025, the Yemeni Embassy in Mogadishu expressed its gratitude for the fishermen’s release, attributing it to high-level diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The Embassy also stressed the importance of Yemeni nationals fully complying with Somali laws governing marine access.
“This incident is a reminder that any fishing activity within Somali waters must be conducted with proper authorization from the relevant Somali institutions,” the statement read. It further warned that future violations could lead to prosecution or imprisonment.
Puntland officials have not made any public comments regarding the incident or the release. However, this case follows a similar episode from earlier in June 2025, when Puntland authorities freed 26 other Yemeni fishermen detained for similar offenses.
Puntland’s coast, which stretches over 1,600 kilometers, is one of the most biodiverse fishing zones in East Africa. The regional government has long maintained a strict stance on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, emphasizing the need to protect marine livelihoods and ensure ecological balance.
While Yemen continues to face challenges in regulating its own fishing industry, its diplomats have pledged to raise awareness among fishing communities to avoid future maritime violations and maintain strong ties with Somalia.
