The Gulf of Aden is a strategic waterway located between Yemen and Somalia, known for its high levels of piracy, particularly in the late 2000s. Pirates operating in this region often targeted commercial vessels, seeking ransom for crew members and cargo. The rise in piracy was largely attributed to political instability in Somalia and the lack of effective law enforcement. International naval forces, including those from NATO and the European Union, began patrolling the area to combat piracy. These efforts led to a significant decrease in pirate attacks, although the threat still exists due to ongoing instability in the region.