The attacks by Iran-backed Houthi groups in the Red Sea have become an opportunity for Somali pirates, as pirates are increasing in number and power, according to the commander of the European Union naval mission.
Yemen’s Houthis began attacking ships in the Red Sea last year to pressure Israel and its allies to end the war in the Gaza Strip.
Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva, commander of the European Union’s anti-piracy mission, said that pirates are stronger than previously known.
Villanueva said pirate attacks are being carried out by well-armed, organized and more numerous groups than ever before.
“We encounter 25 or 30 pirates in the same attack,” Villanueva said. “Pirates are making good use of satellite phones and heavy weapons,” Ignacio said.
Last month, the Houthi rebels carried out the largest number of attacks on commercial vessels, targeting 16 vessels, according to information published by the navy operating in the region.
