Sri Lankan Diplomats in Talks with Somali Authorities Over Suspected Pirate Abduction

Sri Lankan diplomats are engaged in discussions with Somali authorities to determine the location of a fishing vessel and its six crew members suspected of being abducted by Somali pirates. The incident occurred in international waters about 840 nautical miles east of Somalia, raising concerns about a resurgence of pirate activity in the region.

The hijacking took place after Sri Lanka announced its participation in a U.S.-led operation to safeguard merchant vessels from attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels. The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry is actively working to secure the release of the fishermen, with ambassadors in the African region contacting Somali authorities for assistance.

The pirates reportedly arrived in a vessel, fired shots to deter other fishing boats, and then seized the trawler and its crew. The exact whereabouts of the abducted individuals remain unknown.