Marine News

Basra Tribesmen Free Hijacked Tanker from Somali Pirates

Basra Tribesmen Free Hijacked Tanker from Somali PiratesAI illustration

An oil tanker was freed from Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden after roughly 40 armed tribesmen from Basra, Iraq fought the hijackers for five hours at sea.

The tanker, owned by an Iraqi businessman, had been carrying crude from the UAE toward Europe when pirates seized it and held the crew for close to a month. Members of the Al-Shaghanba clan from Abu al-Khasib near Basra organized the rescue, working with Somali authorities to coordinate the operation. Seven pirates were captured. All crew members were freed safely.

The recovery came shortly after Puntland forces freed the Sibu 1 from pirates in the same waters after a 35-day hijacking.

23 Sept – 29 Sept 2026

Basra Tribesmen Free Hijacked Tanker from Somali Pirates

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