U.S. Travel Advisory Urges Citizens in Somalia Avoid Port of Mogadishu

U.S. government maritime authorities have advised mariners in Somalia to avoid the port of Mogadishu and to remain at least 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia.

“U.S. citizens considering travel by sea near the Horn of Africa, the Gulf of Guinea, or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there have been armed attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom by pirates,” said the advisory statement.

“The threat of hijacking to merchant vessels continues to exist in Somali territorial waters and as far as 1,000 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia, Yemen, and Kenya in international waters. There has also been a recent rise in piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea, including hijackings,” it added.

In addition, the new advisory has strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys and maintain good communications at all times.

It has advised U.S. citizens traveling on commercial passenger vessels should consult with the shipping or cruise Ship Company regarding precautions that will be taken to avoid hijacking incidents.

“Commercial vessels should review the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s Horn of Africa Piracy page for information on maritime advisories, self-protection measures, and naval forces in the region,” it said

“Al-Shabaab retains its demonstrated capability to carry out attacks in government-controlled territory in Somalia and in neighboring countries such as Kenya and Djibouti,” it added.