Puntland Rejects Federal Claim of Joint Rescue, Says Somalia and Turkey Paid Ransom for MV LUTUF

MOGADISHU — The Turkish Navy, working in cooperation with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), has freed the cargo ship MV LUTUF, which pirates hijacked on 17 August 2026 in waters off Jifle, Eyl District, in the Nugaal region, according to a statement from Somalia’s Ministry of Defence .

During the 10-day operation, four boats used by the pirates were destroyed, while 14 pirates died. Sustained pressure from the forces ultimately compelled the remaining pirates to abandon the vessel. The forces have taken full control of MV LUTUF, which has now safely resumed its voyage .

However, the Puntland Government has formally rejected the Federal Government’s claim that Somali forces took part alongside Turkey in an operation to recover the cargo ship, saying no such joint operation took place . Puntland instead says officials from Somalia’s Federal Government and Turkey paid ransom to the pirates to secure the vessel’s release, a payment the Puntland Government formally condemned .

Puntland’s Ministry of Security says it has evidence of telephone communications between senior Federal Government officials and the pirates that facilitated the ransom payment and release . The statement also condemned Turkish strikes along the Puntland coast, saying they killed fishermen and destroyed fishing boats. Puntland vowed to hold Turkey accountable for the deaths under international law and the principles of Islamic Sharia protecting human life .

The MV LUTUF, a Cameroon-flagged cargo vessel, was seized on August 17 by eight armed pirates approximately four nautical miles south of Mareeya in the Eyl district . The ship, owned by Polar Movement Shipping, was carrying weapons, communications and satellite equipment bound for the TURKSOM Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu . The crew consists of ten members: six Indian nationals, one Turkish national, one Georgian, and two Serbian security guards .

Conflicting Narratives and Puntland’s Accusations

The operation was originally described as being underpinned by the defence cooperation agreement between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Republic of Türkiye, which strengthens bilateral cooperation in protecting Somalia’s coastline, safeguarding maritime security and combating piracy .

However, Puntland’s rejection of the Federal Government’s narrative adds a new layer of controversy to the already complex situation. The Puntland Government has previously accused Somalia’s Federal Government of contributing to the conditions behind the resurgence of piracy and has called for an investigation into airstrikes that killed civilians .

The hijacking is part of a broader resurgence of Somali piracy that has seen six vessels hijacked since April . The International Maritime Organization has issued an urgent warning about a significant resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, where six merchant ships and more than 90 seafarers are now being held captive .

Somali pirates have converted a captured merchant vessel into a floating base from which they are launching new attacks, marking a significant escalation in the resurgence of maritime crime off the Horn of Africa. The MV Sward, a cement carrier hijacked on April 26, is now being used as a “mothership” to launch smaller attack skiffs against vessels in the Indian Ocean .

Turkey has dispatched two naval vessels to the Horn of Africa, with the frigates TCG Kemalreis and TCG Yzb. Gungor Durmus visiting Djibouti on September 3-4 in support of the Somali Naval Task Group and logistics transport missions to Somalia . The deployment underscores Ankara’s growing commitment to Somalia’s security and its determination to protect its strategic interests in the region .

Somalia and Turkey have been deepening naval cooperation to rebuild the Somali Navy, with the Chief of the Somali Navy meeting with the Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces to advance cooperation in rebuilding Somalia’s maritime defense capabilities .

Critical Note

The conflicting narratives surrounding the release of the MV LUTUF reflect the deep divisions between Mogadishu and Garowe over how to address the piracy crisis. The Federal Government’s claim of a successful joint military operation stands in stark contrast to Puntland’s accusation of a ransom payment, a charge that, if true, would undermine the government’s anti-piracy stance and potentially encourage further hijackings.

Puntland’s condemnation of the airstrikes that killed civilians along its coast adds another layer of concern. The regional government’s vow to hold Turkey accountable under international law and Islamic Sharia principles reflects the growing frustration with what it perceives as foreign interference and lack of respect for Somali lives. The families of those killed have described the victims as fishermen, raising serious questions about the conduct of the counter-piracy operations .

The international community must press for a transparent investigation into the circumstances of the release—whether through military operation or ransom—and into the airstrikes that resulted in civilian casualties. The credibility of the Federal Government and its international partners depends on accountability and adherence to the rule of law. Without such accountability, the fight against piracy risks fuelling further resentment and instability in coastal communities .