Mogadishu has assured full support to Pakistan in efforts to secure the release of crew members held aboard a hijacked oil tanker. The development comes as tensions rise over maritime security near the region.
According to diplomatic sources, Somalia has provided a written commitment to help recover the abducted hostages. The move follows Pakistan’s formal request for urgent action after the kidnapping of 11 Pakistani nationals.
The incident involves the oil tanker Honour 25, which was seized by armed pirates near the coast of Somalia. The hijacking took place on April 21, approximately 30 nautical miles offshore.
Security reports confirm that six armed pirates took control of the vessel. The tanker was carrying 17 crew members in total. This included 11 Pakistanis and one Indonesian captain.
A disturbing video recently surfaced showing the crew held in very poor conditions. Around a dozen people are seen confined in a small space on the ship. The footage has caused serious concern among families.
Several of the Pakistani crew members are believed to be from Karachi. Families say they have not been able to contact their loved ones since the hijacking.
The situation has created widespread anxiety in Pakistan. Relatives of the hostages have repeatedly appealed for urgent rescue efforts. They are demanding safe recovery of all crew members from the waters off Somalia.
Among the trapped crew is Second Engineer Syed Hussain. He left Karachi in January for work duties. His family reports no communication since the incident on April 21.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has sought a detailed report on the case. He has also instructed authorities to maintain close coordination with international partners.
Officials are actively working with the government of Somalia to ensure the safe return of the crew. Diplomatic channels remain engaged as rescue efforts continue.
Families of the hostages have also appealed to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They have requested intervention from the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
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Authorities say efforts are ongoing to resolve the situation peacefully. The priority remains the safe recovery of all captives held near Somalia waters.
