Somali Piracy Surges Amid Regional Conflicts

Piracy off Somalia’s coast has surged in 2026, with 25 incidents recorded by mid-September, compared to nine in 2025, as regional conflicts divert naval forces and expose security weaknesses.

Why it matters. Global shipping and the broader economy are threatened by the resurgence of Somali piracy, which could lead to higher insurance premiums and disruptions in global trade.