Puntland frees seven Yemeni fishermen after nearly two months in custody

The Yemeni Embassy in Somalia has announced the release of seven Yemeni fishermen who had been detained by security forces in the port city of Bosaso, Puntland, for nearly two months after entering Puntland’s coastal waters without authorization from the regional Ministry of Fisheries.

In a statement, the embassy cautioned Yemeni fishermen against fishing in Somali waters without a valid fishing permit.

It emphasized the importance of securing official licenses before operating in Somali maritime zones to safeguard their freedom and avoid legal consequences from Somali federal or regional authorities.

Earlier in June, Puntland authorities released 26 other Yemeni fishermen who had also been accused of illegal fishing off Puntland’s coast. Their release followed an official amnesty issued by the Puntland regional government, according to Yemeni media reports.