Somali Pirates’ Use of GPS Technology Raises Alarm Over Maritime Security

Somalia’s coastline, long infamous for piracy, is facing a new threat as pirates increasingly adopt modern GPS technology to track commercial shipping in the Indian Ocean. This alarming development has drawn the attention of regional authorities and international security experts, who warn that piracy off Somalia’s shores is becoming more sophisticated and harder to counter.

According to Mohamed Muse Abulle, Deputy Director of Intelligence for Puntland’s Maritime Police Force, Somali pirates have recently acquired GPS devices along with other equipment from Yemen’s Huthi rebels. “The new technology has made it much easier for them to plan attacks far from the Somali coastline,” Abulle said, adding that pirates can now monitor vessel movements in real-time. This marks a significant shift from earlier piracy operations, which relied heavily on visual spotting and opportunistic attacks near the coast.

The integration of GPS technology has amplified concerns about the pirates’ operational reach. Previously limited to opportunistic hijackings close to shore, pirates now have the capability to track vessels across major shipping lanes, including those crucial to international trade. U.S. and regional officials note that Somali pirates are increasingly connected to Iran-backed Huthi militias in Yemen, as well as extremist groups in the Horn of Africa. This networked approach has heightened both the sophistication and frequency of attacks.

Security forces are also concerned about the training some Somali pirates have received in Yemen. Enhanced military skills, combined with technological tools, have increased the threat level to vessels navigating the region. On December 12, Puntland’s Maritime Police intercepted a small boat suspected of carrying chemicals used to manufacture explosives. The vessel, carrying Somali and Yemeni nationals, was seized for investigation, highlighting the growing risk of piracy operations being tied to broader militant activities.

The resurgence of Somali piracy appears to be closely linked to regional instability, particularly in the Red Sea. Huthi militias have expanded their influence beyond Yemen, reportedly coordinating with Somali pirates to disrupt shipping routes. In December 2023, Somali pirates successfully hijacked a commercial vessel—the first such incident since 2017—demonstrating that piracy remains a persistent threat despite past international counter-piracy efforts.

International shipping companies are taking note. Enhanced vigilance and investment in maritime security measures are now considered essential for vessels passing through high-risk areas. Analysts warn that without coordinated regional and global responses, Somali piracy could evolve into an even more organized and dangerous criminal enterprise, capable of threatening global trade networks.

Maritime authorities in Somalia, in collaboration with international partners, are urging for a comprehensive approach that includes intelligence sharing, capacity building for local law enforcement, and improved tracking of high-risk vessels. The recent technological upgrades among pirate groups serve as a stark reminder that maritime security in the Horn of Africa is a critical global concern, requiring sustained attention and collaboration.

As Somali pirates embrace modern technology, the stakes are higher than ever. Addressing this threat will not only protect international shipping but also help stabilize the maritime environment along one of the world’s most strategically important coastlines.