Somalia’s Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) successfully rescued the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Honor off the coast of Bandarbeyla in northeastern Somalia. The tanker, held by pirates since April 21, was secured along with its 17 crew members during an operation conducted earlier this week.

According to a statement issued by the PMPF on Tuesday evening, 16 suspected Somali pirates were apprehended during the operation. The security forces confirmed that the vessel is now under the control of the Puntland government, and efforts continue to locate any remaining individuals involved.

The hijacking had resulted in the death of five crew members before the rescue effort was launched. The PMPF did not provide further details on the circumstances of the casualties or the exact timing of the operation.

The MT Honor’s recovery marks a significant development in regional maritime security, where piracy off the coast of Somalia has long posed risks to commercial shipping and oil transportation. The Puntland state, an autonomous region in Somalia, has been actively engaged in combating piracy through the deployment of its maritime forces aimed at protecting shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.

No additional information has been released regarding the condition of the rescued crew or the detained suspects. The Puntland Maritime Police Force emphasized its ongoing commitment to securing the coastline and safeguarding economic activities in the area.