Conflict in Yemen has contributed to a spike in piracy off the Horn of Africa, according to a new report.

Piracy incidents doubled in the area during 2017, with Oceans Beyond Piracy arguing the trend showed Somali criminal networks are still capable of sophisticated attacks.

Maisie Pigeon, the report’s lead author, said: “Pirate activity in 2017 clearly demonstrates that pirate groups retain their ability to organize and implement attacks against ships transiting the region.”