Africa · Chokepoint assessment
Somali Basin
Pirate action groups have operated several hundred miles off the Somali coast since the MV Ruen and MV Abdullah hijacks. Activity follows the monsoon calendar.
Indian Ocean route between the Gulf of Aden, Kenya and the Cape.
Main threats
- Hijack for ransom
- Boarding of fishing vessels and dhows as mother ships
What this means for shipping
- Keep well offshore and report to MSCHOA
- Coastal humanitarian shipping to Mogadishu and Kismayo remains exposed
What to watch
- Mother-ship sightings
- Al-Shabaab links to coastal networks
- Puntland Maritime Police Force operations
Recent major incidents nearby
Hellas Aphrodite — Piracy / boarding
6 Nov 2025 · Somali Basin
Tanker boarded by Somali pirates far offshore; crew in citadel until naval forces arrived. EU NAVFOR Atalanta
MV Abdullah — Hijack
12 Mar 2024 · Somali Basin
Bangladeshi bulk carrier hijacked by Somali pirates; released after ransom in April. IMB Piracy Reporting Centre
Ports on this route
Mogadishu, Somalia Severe
Al-Shabaab mortar and suicide attacks around the port and airport zone.
Kismayo, Somalia Severe
Jubaland-controlled; Al-Shabaab holds much of the hinterland.
Mombasa, Kenya Moderate
East Africa's largest port; congestion more than security drives delay.
Lamu, Kenya Substantial
Near the Boni Forest where Al-Shabaab operates.
Eyl, Somalia (Puntland) Severe
Historic pirate base on the Indian Ocean coast.
Hobyo, Somalia Severe
Pirate networks used the anchorage during 2024 hijacks.
Garacad, Somalia (Puntland) Severe
Coastal town linked to pirate groups.
Barawe, Somalia Severe
Former Al-Shabaab stronghold; contested hinterland.
Port Victoria, Seychelles Low
Base for counter-piracy patrols and fishing fleets.
Sources
Threat level is an Mazin Intel analytical judgement from public sources, not a live feed or official rating.