(08-12-23) MOGADISHU (HN) — High-ranking Puntland officials are under suspicion following the seizure of the Iranian-flagged fishing boat Al-Meraj 1. This incident occurred roughly 62 NM (115 km, 71 miles) south of the Ras Hufun peninsula, near Qandala district of Puntland state, on Nov. 22. The captors have set a ransom of USD 400,000 and warned of using the vessel for additional hijackings if their demands remain unmet. Mohamed Abdi Said, a representative of the seized boat, has implicated the Qandala district commander and other senior officials in the hijacking during an interview with SBC Somali TV aired on Friday.
Sai’s allegations suggest a disturbing link between Puntland authorities and piracy. He stated that despite notifying the Puntland government, no action has been taken to address the situation. The crew of the vessel, comprising around 25 Iranians, remains isolated without any communication or ransom demands.
This incident represents a security concern in the region, especially as it is the second hijacking of an Iranian boat in recent weeks. The involvement of Puntland officials, as alleged, highlights the need for urgent action from both local and international forces.
Halqabsi News
