Turkish navy rescues hijacked Cameroon-flagged ship off Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali authorities said the Turkish navy, working alongside Somali forces, rescued a Cameroon-flagged vessel seized by pirates off the country's East African coast. The government said control of the "Lotof" was restored after sustained pressure forced the pirates to abandon the ship and flee. Four skiffs used by the pirates were destroyed and 14 hijackers were killed during the operation, according to the statement. The vessel was secured and resumed its voyage. Somalia's Defense Ministry said the ship had been hijacked on Aug. 17 off the Nogal region of Puntland. Marine Traffic data showed the vessel had departed Turkey in late July and was bound for the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania when it was seized. Mogadishu said the operation was carried out under a defense cooperation agreement between Somalia and Turkey aimed at strengthening maritime security and combating piracy. No further details were immediately available.