Why is piracy picking up off Somalia’s coast again?

On August 29, the Federal Government of Somalia announced that the Turkish navy, in collaboration with Somali forces, had freed the cargo ship MV Lutuf after a 10-day pursuit, killing 14 pirates. However, Puntland's Ministry of Security disputed this account, claiming no military rescue occurred and that the vessel's release was secured through a ransom payment. Piracy incidents in Somali waters have sharply increased this year, with at least 15 attacks reported since the beginning of the year.