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The rise and fall of Somali pirates, explained

From desperate fishermen to millionaire warlords

The rise and fall of Somali pirates, explained
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© Getty Images

StarsInsider
06/05/2025 08:30 ‧ 2 months ago | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE

Piracy

If someone robs you on land, they’re considered a thief. But if they do it at sea, they’re a pirate. Piracy has existed as long as ocean trade has been around, but in the early 21st century it took on a new and terrifying form. Off the coast of Somalia, a region plagued by instability, modern-day pirates turned the Indian Ocean into a lawless hunting ground of hijacking and hostages.

At first, their attacks were small and disorganized, but what began as isolated incidents quickly transformed into an industry fueled by warlords, weapons, and a booming economy built on ransom money. Shipping routes that connected nations and powered global trade suddenly became perilous, forcing governments and businesses into a high-stakes battle to protect vessels and crew.

How did a struggling coastal community become the epicenter of modern piracy? And why did it all come to a grinding halt? Click through this gallery to find out.

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