Eyl

Eyl is a coastal town in northeastern Somalia and the administrative center of Eyl District in the Nugaal region of the Puntland state. Located on the Gulf of Aden, Eyl serves as a local hub for fishing, small-scale trade, and transportation for nearby communities. The town and its surrounding area are predominantly inhabited by Somali residents, with clan dynamics playing a role in local governance and social organization.

Geography and economy: Eyl sits on a modest harbor used by artisanal fishers who target tuna and other coastal species. The economy relies heavily on fishing, livestock trading, and related services, with markets and small businesses serving residents and travelers. Infrastructure in Eyl includes basic facilities such as mosques, schools, and clinics, with ongoing efforts to improve services through local governance and regional support.

History: Eyl gained international attention in the late 2000s and early 2010s as a base for piracy in the western Indian Ocean, with pirate groups operating from the town to target ships in the Gulf of Aden. International naval coalitions and Puntland authorities conducted security operations in subsequent years, contributing to a decline in pirate activity in the region. Since then, focus has been on stabilizing security, governance, and economic development through collaboration between local leaders and Puntland authorities.

Governance and society: Eyl is the seat of Eyl District and falls under the Puntland regional administration. Local governance is conducted through district councils and security arrangements that involve traditional structures and civil institutions in coordination with regional authorities. The town remains a rural-commercial center for the surrounding coastal communities.