New Somali Piracy Situation is Insane

Summary by Krater

An explainer examining the resurgence of Somali piracy in 2026, analyzing how collapsed governance, illegal foreign fishing, economic desperation, and a global power vacuum created conditions for a new wave of attacks.

From the video

Answers: Why is Somali piracy returning after years of inactivity?

• Somali piracy resurgence
• Maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
• Commercial shipping vulnerabilities
• Naval coalitions and counter-piracy operations
• Economic impact of maritime piracy

What it concludes

• Somali piracy has experienced a resurgence in 2026, with armed groups successfully capturing commercial vessels.
• The collapse of the Somali state in 1991 and subsequent unregulated foreign fishing created the conditions for piracy to emerge.
• The return of Somali piracy is largely driven by a power vacuum and a global naval focus on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
• Capturing merchant ships yields massive ransoms, making piracy an extremely lucrative option for impoverished individuals in Somalia.
• Despite increased naval patrols and ship hardening best management practices, the fundamental economic drivers of Somali piracy remain unaddressed.