Indian Navy frees Iranian fishing vessel from armed Somali pirates
. . . rescues 20 crew after 48-hour operation with no casualties or injuries reported
- The operation involved Indian Navy warship, maritime surveillance aircraft and elite Marine Commandos; Indian Air Force which provided support, including a C-17 aircraft that carried out a precision airdrop as part of the mission.
The Indian Navy has rescued 20 crew members and secured the release of an Iranian fishing vessel hijacked by Somali pirates following a 48-hour operation off the northeastern coast of Somalia.
The operation, which ended on November 2, involved an Indian Navy warship, maritime surveillance aircraft and elite Marine Commandos. The Indian Air Force also provided support, including a C-17 aircraft that carried out a precision airdrop as part of the mission.
The fishing vessel, Azini, had been seized by 12 armed pirates last month in waters off northeastern Somalia. The Navy used non-lethal measures to restrict the vessel’s movement and prevent the hijackers from escaping.
After more than 48 hours of coordinated action, Indian forces secured the vessel and rescued all 20 crew members with no casualties or injuries were reported.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Navy on the successful operation and acknowledged the Indian Air Force’s support. He said the mission demonstrated India’s readiness and ability to respond decisively to maritime threats.
The operation comes amid renewed concerns over piracy off the Somali coast and across the western Indian Ocean. Several commercial vessels have been hijacked in the region in recent months, adding to wider concerns over the security of international shipping routes.
The resurgence of piracy is also unfolding against a backdrop of disruption to maritime trade caused by the Iran war, attacks affecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and threats from Yemen’s Houthi movement around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
