Turkish Navy and Somali Forces Retake MV Lutuf, 14 Pirates Killed

On August 29, Turkish naval forces and Somali troops retook the cargo ship Lutuf from pirates who had held it for twelve days in waters off Somalia's southern coast. Fourteen pirates died during the boarding operation. Four pirate skiffs were destroyed.

The Cameroonian-flagged Lutuf was seized on August 17 near Mareeyo. Four suspected pirates died in a drone strike near Puntland the day after the Lutuf was seized, but the gang held the ship for nearly two more weeks.

At least one Turkish national was among the crew when the operation concluded. Turkey and Somalia ran the joint action under a defense cooperation agreement, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

According to Maritime Executive, pirates initially demanded $10 million to release the ship, later lowering the ask to $2 million. Turkish forces rejected any negotiation and moved in. Dawn reported at least 15 pirate attacks off Somalia in 2026, the highest level since 2013.