Somali piracy has resurged sharply in 2026, with 25 incidents recorded by mid-September—the highest level since 2013—following years of relative calm. At least six commercial vessels have been successfully hijacked since late April, often using captured dhows or smaller craft as motherships for extended-range operations in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin. Several seizures involved oil tankers, with some crews held for months amid ransom negotiations or local enforcement actions. Puntland maritime police have conducted recent rescues, including the September 29 recovery of the Honour 25 tanker after five crew members were killed, while international naval assets remain stretched by other regional threats. Seasonal weather patterns, links to external actors, and proposals for expanded counter-piracy coordination could influence further attempts through year-end.