Somali pirate and Houthi alliance targets $1T oil trade route with revived hijack tactic
Armed men hijacked an oil tanker off the coast of Shabwa, Yemen, steering it toward the Gulf of Aden, with recovery efforts now underway. Analysts warn of a resurgence in Somali piracy, now coordinated with Iran-backed Houthi forces using advanced technology and tactics. The collaboration is targeting a rerouted $1 trillion oil trade route, creating a high-risk environment for maritime security.
- ▪Yemen’s coast guard reported the hijacking of an oil tanker off Shabwa, which was redirected toward the Gulf of Aden.
- ▪Somali pirate groups are collaborating with Houthi-linked forces, combining skiff attacks with GPS and surveillance technology.
- ▪The MT Eureka was seized in the latest incident, signaling a return of the 'Somali model' of hijacking ships for ransom.
- ▪Ido Shalev of RTCOM Defense described the alliance as transactional, with Houthis offering tech and cover while Somali groups conduct on-water operations.
- ▪Hijacked vessels are taken to secure anchorages like Qandala or Garacad, where ransoms are demanded for the ship, cargo, and crew.
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Somali Immigrant Community Somali pirate and Houthi alliance targets $1T oil trade route with revived hijack tactic Armed men hijacked an oil tanker off Shabwa and steered it toward the Gulf of Aden, Yemen's coast guard reported By Emma Bussey Fox News Published May 3, 2026 5:32pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Trump administration faces pressure to seek Congress’ approval on Iran operations The ‘Fox News Sunday’ panel discusses Congress’ potential role in the Iran conflict and the political and legal ramifications of U.S. military actions for the Trump administration.
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