With the return this year of Somali piracy after a near six-year hiatus, the European Union has decided to extend Operation Atalanta, its naval operation off the Horn of Africa for another two years through to the end of February 2027. 

Ships sailing off the Somali coast have been urged by Operation Atalanta to maintain a heightened state of vigilance in light of the recent escalation in piracy threats. 

Suspected pirates holding a Chinese fishing vessel with 18 crewmembers since the end of last month have this week turned down a $300,000 ransom offer.