Hadramaut – The authorities of Somalia’s Puntland State have released 26 Yemeni fishermen who had been detained earlier for entering Somali territorial waters without official permits—a move widely welcomed as a reflection of regional cooperation and humanitarian understanding.

The fishermen had been held since May 14, 2025, while working aboard the fishing vessel “Maymoon-1.” Their release came after intensive diplomatic efforts led by the Yemeni government, represented by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Fisheries, in coordination with local authorities in Hadramaut and the Yemeni Embassy in Mogadishu.

Puntland’s judicial authorities decided to waive all fines and return the confiscated fishing equipment, a decision described as “a humanitarian act that highlights the historic bonds between the Somali and Yemeni peoples.”

The fishermen arrived at the port of Al-Sheher on Sunday, June 8, where they were received by local officials and underwent medical checkups amid scenes of joy and relief.