UAE Condemns Attack on Oil Tanker MT Honour 25
The UAE has condemned the killing of crew members during a military operation to recover the hijacked oil tanker MT Honour 25 off the coast of Somalia.
Quick facts
- The MT Honour 25 was hijacked off the coast of Somalia on April 21, 2026.
- Five crew members were killed by pirates before the rescue operation, including three Pakistanis, one Indian, and one from Myanmar.
- Twenty-one suspected pirates were apprehended by the Puntland Maritime Police Force.
Why it matters
The condemnation from the UAE highlights the country's position as a major maritime hub that relies on stable international trade routes. The hijacking of the MT Honour 25 illustrates the persistent threat of piracy in the waters off the Horn of Africa, which remains a concern for global shipping companies and regional governments.
The United Arab Emirates has officially condemned the killing and wounding of crew members aboard the oil tanker MT Honour 25. The vessel was the target of a recovery operation off the coast of Somalia after being held by armed pirates for over five months.
What happened?
The MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged oil tanker, was hijacked on April 21, 2026. According to the Puntland Maritime Police Force, the ship was recovered during a planned operation in the Dharin-Bar area of the Bandar Beyla district. Before the operation concluded, pirates on board reportedly killed five crew members and injured four others.
Why is it trending?
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) issued a statement expressing solidarity with the victims' families and emphasizing that such criminal acts pose a threat to international maritime security. The incident has garnered global attention due to the length of the hijacking and the loss of life during the recovery mission.
What is the current situation?
The vessel is now reported to be under the control of the Puntland government. Authorities have apprehended 21 suspected pirates, and search operations for remaining suspects are ongoing. The UAE has reiterated its call for increased international cooperation to ensure the safety of commercial shipping lanes and the protection of crew members on international trade routes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MT Honour 25?
The MT Honour 25 is a Palau-flagged oil tanker that was hijacked by armed pirates off the coast of Somalia on April 21, 2026. It remained under pirate control for more than five months.
What happened to the crew of the oil tanker?
During the recovery operation, five crew members were killed by pirates, including three Pakistani nationals, one from India, and one from Myanmar. Four additional crew members were reported injured during the incident.
How did the UAE respond to the incident?
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack as a grave threat to maritime security. The government expressed solidarity with the victims' families and called for stronger international cooperation to protect commercial vessels and their crews.
Who recovered the vessel?
The Puntland Maritime Police Force conducted the operation to recover the vessel, using both naval and ground units in the Dharin-Bar area of the Bandar Beyla district.
Are the pirates in custody?
Yes, 21 suspected pirates were apprehended by the Puntland Maritime Police Force during the operation. Authorities stated that efforts to locate other individuals involved in the hijacking are still ongoing.
Is the ship safe now?
According to the latest reports from the Puntland Maritime Police Force, the MT Honour 25 has been recovered and is currently safe and under the control of the Puntland government.
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Last checked Oct 1, 2026 at 11:16 PM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work
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