Piracy along the coasts of Djibouti, Somalia, Yemen, and Oman has been a significant maritime security concern in recent years, and it is present up to these days, particularly in the Gulf of Aden and the western Indian Ocean. The region, known as the Horn of Africa, has seen various forms of maritime crime, with Somalia being the epicenter of piracy activities in the early 2000s.Somali piracy reached its peak between 2008 and 2012, with pirates hijacking numerous vessels and demanding large ransoms. The economic impact was substantial, affecting global shipping routes and increasing insurance costs. International naval patrols, including NATO's Operation Ocean Shield and the EU's Operation Atalanta, were deployed to combat piracy in the region.

 

Yemen's ongoing civil war has complicated maritime security in the area. Houthi rebels, controlling parts of Yemen's western coast, have been accused of attacking ships in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. These attacks have ranged from attempted boardings to missile strikes on vessels.Djibouti, strategically located at the entrance to the Red Sea, has played a crucial role in counter-piracy efforts by hosting several international naval bases. Oman, while less affected by piracy, has been involved in regional maritime security initiatives.In recent years, piracy incidents off the Somali coast have decreased significantly due to international efforts and improved security measures. However, the root causes of piracy, such as poverty and political instability, persist. The region remains vulnerable to maritime threats, with concerns shifting towards other forms of maritime crime and the potential for piracy to resurge if international attention wanes.