Somali piracy surges as the impact of the US-Iran war ripples outwards - BBC News

Two ships were seized within four days last week raising to at least 13 the number attacked since January.

Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesImage caption, Pirates manage to board ships operating a long way from the coast and then guide them closer to the shore

A surge in piracy near Somalia has increased threats to shipping already under pressure from maritime blockades and conflict due to the US war with Iran.

Two cargo vessels were seized in the Gulf of Aden within four days last week, rising to at least 13 the number of ships attacked since the start of the year and triggering unprecedented drone strikes against the pirates.

It is the biggest escalation in hijackings in more than a decade, renewing concern about security in this region vital to international trade.

"Piracy is always a crime of opportunity," says Omar Mahmood, a senior Somalia analyst for the International Crisis Group (ICG), "and right now the pirates see an opportunity."