MOGADISHU— Puntland security forces have launched an operation to retake the HONOUR 25, a fuel tanker reportedly seized by Somali pirates and held in Puntland since April 21, 2026.

The operation reportedly took place in Dharinbaar, an area within Bandar-Beyla district of the Karkaar region, where the vessel was believed to have been held by the pirates.

The circumstances surrounding the operation and its outcome remain unclear. Authorities have yet to provide confirmed information on possible casualties, the condition of the vessel or the status of the crew and the armed group that had been holding the ship.

The HONOUR 25, sailing under the Palau flag, was reportedly en route to Mogadishu’s international port when it was hijacked off the Puntland coast. The vessel was carrying approximately 18,000 barrels of fuel and had 17 crew members aboard. Ten were Pakistani nationals, while the remaining crew members were from Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka.

The reported operation comes shortly after Puntland forces announced the conclusion of an operation to secure the release of the MT SIBU 1, another vessel that had been held by Somali pirates.

Further details are expected from Puntland authorities as information emerges on the operation, the safety of the crew and the status of the vessel.