Iraqi tribal members clashed with Somali pirates and released hijacked tanker

Dozens of members of Iraqi al-Shaabanah tribe documented confronting Somali pirates over oil tanker hijacked in August near Somalia shores, in operation that according to reports coordinated with authorities in Somalia. Tanker, owned by Iraqi citizen, released after pursuit and ambush of pirates by Puntland authorities. According to Somali officials, three additional tankers still held by pirates.

Videos distributed on social networks in Iraq show dozens of members of al-Shaabanah tribe involved in confrontation with Somali pirates aboard oil tanker hijacked near Somalia shores, according to report on al-Arabia website. Tribe members announced on Friday that they succeeded in releasing tanker, which was owned by Iraqi citizen and operated by Iraqi crew, and according to reports operation conducted in coordination with authorities in Somalia.

Official representatives in Puntland region in Somalia confirmed tanker released after pursuit and ambush on pirates who hijacked it in August. According to security official, when tanker 'Suez 1' anchored south of Garkaad city, large vessel used by Puntland authorities ambushed it at sea and surprised hijackers.

According to Somali officials, three additional tankers still held by pirates: 'Honor 25,' 'MT Eureka' and 'MT Asana.' According to them, two of them carried fuel worth millions of dollars, and pirates observed pouring barrels of fuel from ships to sell on black market.

According to International Maritime Organization, since April at least 15 incidents recorded in region involving pirates this year, highest number since 2013. Piracy off Somalia shores peaked in 2011.