"Maritime Security Threats Escalate as Armed Hijackers Target Vessels in Arabian Sea and Red Sea"

A Liberian-flagged vessel en route to Bahrain was boarded by armed pirates near Eyl, Somalia. The crew has taken refuge in the ship's citadel for protection. The UK Maritime Trade Operations issued an advisory about the incident and warned of limited navigational lighting on the ship. This event occurs amidst increasing pirate attacks and a reported deal between Somali pirates and the militant group Al Shabab. Shipping companies are altering routes due to threats in the Red Sea, potentially leading to more traffic and piracy off the Somali coast. The US has responded by deploying additional warships and establishing a joint maritime task force after recent Houthi attacks on military and commercial vessels.