EU Naval Response Scrambles as Somali Pirates Seize Commercial Tanker Amid Rising Maritime Threats

The recent seizure of the Hellas Aphrodite, a Malta-flagged tanker carrying gasoline through one of the most vital maritime routes near Somalia, signals a disturbing resurgence of piracy where many believed international security efforts had succeeded. As the EU’s Operation Atalanta scrambles to reclaim control, the incident lays bare glaring vulnerabilities that threaten not only regional stability but also American interests and global commerce. Why Are Somali Pirates Making a Comeback Despite Years of International Efforts? Once nearly eradicated by robust naval patrols and strengthened governance, piracy off Somalia’s coast has surged back in recent months. In 2011, pirate attacks...