Pirates seize Iranian ship off Somalia, possibly with more attacks in mind

Somali pirates have hijacked an Iranian fishing vessel with 23 crew members on board, according to the EU mission monitoring safety in the region. The ship was seized northeast of Somalia, and armed pirates are reported to be on board. The EU warns that the vessel could be used as a base for further piracy, as it is near a commercial shipping route. Twelve pirates reportedly boarded the Iranian ship, which had 21 Iranian crew members and two Somali security guards. The EU mission is investigating the incident, urging nearby vessels to remain vigilant. This incident adds to a recent surge in piracy off the Somali coast, with five attacks reported in recent months, including one where five crew members were killed during a rescue attempt.