Turkish and Somali forces have retaken the Cameroon-flagged cargo ship MV Lutuf after it was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia. The vessel was seized on August 17 in the Indian Ocean, around 4.5 nautical miles from Somalia’s southern coastline.

Reports said at least eight armed pirates boarded the vessel, which was carrying supplies for the TURKSOM Military Base in Somalia. Turkish naval forces, working with Somali security forces, monitored the ship and prepared an operation to regain control.

Somalia’s Ministry of Defense said the operation lasted 10 days and resulted in the destruction of four boats reportedly used by the pirates. Authorities also reported that 14 suspected pirates were killed, while the remaining attackers fled the vessel.

The ship was secured on August 29 and later resumed its voyage. Reports said 10 people were onboard, including six Indian nationals, one Turkish national, one Georgian national, and two Serbian security personnel. The incident comes amid continuing concerns over piracy in waters off Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.