Why did piracy become a concern near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait?

In the early 21st century, piracy emerged as a significant concern in the waters surrounding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, primarily linked to the ongoing instability in Somalia.1

The strait is a critical global chokepoint, serving as a vital transit route for international trade and energy supplies between the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean. Because of its strategic importance to global shipping, the rise of piracy necessitated the implementation of international naval patrols to protect commercial vessels. While these security efforts were successful in reducing the frequency of attacks, the underlying regional conditions that facilitate piracy have persisted.21