PRESS RELEASE| Puntland Government forces conducted a robust anti-piracy campaign between 6 May 2012 and 8 June 2012 and have achieved tangible success in anti-piracy operations along coastal towns in Bari, Karkar and Nugal regions of Puntland State of Somalia.
In recent weeks, Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMFP) units have been deployed in the coastal towns of Eyl, Hafun, Bargal, and the village of Hul-Anod. PMPF forces have successfully cut off pirate supply lines to hijacked ships and two hijacked ships have left the coast of Bari region as a result.
The two hijacked ships escaped towards the open Indian Ocean and the pirate leader Mr. Isse Yuluh is on board one of the hijacked ships. Mr. Yuluh and his gang of pirates are charged with kidnapping a Danish family in 2011, among other piracy crimes. Puntland Government strongly urges nonpayment of ransom money, as ransom payment fuels more piracy attacks.
Hul-Anod coastal village is also the site where five members of Puntland security forces were killed in a pirate ambush, in March 2011, and the local community sees the arrival of PMPF forces as a welcome sign in the former pirate hub of Hul-Anod.
Puntland Government expresses its appreciation to local communities in the coastal areas for supporting the Government’s law enforcement actions aiming to remove piracy activities from the Puntland coast.
The Government’s law enforcement action targeting pirates is in accordance with numerous resolutions from the U.N. Security Council calling upon regional authorities in Somalia to build up law enforcement and security capacity in the fight against piracy.
Puntland Government appeals to the international community to bring humanitarian and development assistance for communities in Puntland coastal areas affected by piracy and illegal fishing.
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Ministry of Security and DDR
Puntland State of Somalia
