Pirate activity has risen again in the waters off Somalia and the Gulf of Aden. Analysts say pirate activity in the area has increased as allied naval forces shifted to Middle East conflict zones because of the U.S.-Iran war.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on the 3rd released an analysis of global pirate incident trends for the first half of 2026. According to the analysis, there were 38 pirate incidents worldwide in the first half, down 60% from the same period a year earlier (90). While the number of incidents fell, the number of victims on board rose to 70, compared with 67 a year earlier. Korean nationals and vessels were not harmed by pirates.
However, in the waters off Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, the number of pirate incidents rose to nine, more than triple the same period a year earlier (three). There were 63 victims on board, accounting for 90% of all victims. In particular, all five vessel hijackings occurred in these waters.
Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and foreign media said, "As allied naval forces were dispersed to Middle East conflict zones due to the U.S.-Israel–Iran war, pirate activity in the area increased."
Jeong Do-hyeon, director general for maritime safety at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), said, "As pirate incidents in the waters off Somalia and the Gulf of Aden have increased markedly, we urge vessels sailing in the area to operate safely," adding, "We will continue to promptly provide updates on pirate incidents and work to prevent pirate damage to our vessels and seafarers."