Maritime Security: Turkey and Somalia say they freed the Cameroon-flagged MV Latuf after a 10-day anti-piracy operation off Puntland’s Eyl area, killing 14 pirates and destroying four pirate boats, though Puntland officials and local reports dispute whether a ransom of $2.5 million was paid instead of a purely military rescue. UN Policy on Piracy: A UN-linked agency urged ships to strongly discourage crews from carrying firearms for self-defense, warning it could escalate attacks and risks at sea as piracy surges in 2026. Regional Security Cooperation: Somalia, Ethiopia, Yemen and Djibouti met in Nairobi to strengthen Red Sea and Gulf of Aden maritime law enforcement, focusing on information-sharing as global tensions divert patrols and pirates exploit the gap. Human Rights & Lawmaking: Somalia’s Minister of Family and Human Rights Development presented Family Affairs and Child Rights bills to parliament, while MPs debated a rape bill and cited 187 violence-against-women-and-girls cases reported via the government helpline. Humanitarian Crisis: CARE warns hunger and climate shocks are worsening fast, with funding cuts forcing clinics to close and leaving mothers and children without lifesaving services. Politics in the South: Jubaland leaders in Mogadishu demanded inclusive governance and renewed efforts to liberate Middle Juba and parts of Lower Juba from al-Shabaab control. Regional Military Outlook: Uganda’s army chief set a full UPDF withdrawal from Somalia by August 1, 2027, raising fresh questions about AUSSOM capacity as funding uncertainty grows.