The Indian Navy successfully rescued 20 crew members from an Iranian fishing vessel, Azini, which was hijacked off the coast of Somalia. The rescue operation, which lasted over 48 hours, was completed on Monday in the Arabian Sea, approximately 3,000 kilometres from Mumbai. The Indian Defence Ministry announced the operation's success on Tuesday, stating that it was carried out by Indian naval forces.
According to the Indian Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, the complex rescue operation involved an Indian naval warship, a maritime surveillance aircraft, and marine commandos. Additional commandos were deployed through an airdrop conducted by an Indian Air Force C-17 transport aircraft. The operation was launched after Indian authorities tracked the hijacked vessel through coordinated aerial and maritime surveillance.
The Azini was reportedly hijacked on October 29 in waters between Bandar Bayla and Hafun along Somalia's northeastern coast. Initially, a Puntland maritime police officer stated that the vessel was carrying 21 Iranian crew members and two Somali security guards. However, India's Defence Ministry reported that 20 crew members were rescued, with no explanation provided for the discrepancy.
An official from the Puntland Maritime Police Force, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that Indian forces disarmed 12 suspected Somali pirates, confiscated their mobile phones, and subsequently released them. The suspects, accompanied by two Somali security guards, later arrived at Bandar Bayla in northeastern Somalia. Three individuals reportedly sustained minor injuries, although it was unclear whether they were among the suspected pirates or the security guards.
India's Defence Ministry stated that the operation concluded without casualties or injuries, although it did not clarify whether this referred exclusively to the rescued crew or everyone involved in the incident. Authorities also did not immediately confirm whether the crew remained aboard the vessel or had been transferred to another location.
The incident highlights continuing maritime security concerns off the Horn of Africa, where piracy has remained a threat to international shipping and regional stability. Indian authorities had expressed concern that the pirates could use the fishing vessel as a floating base to launch attacks against commercial shipping in the region, potentially threatening maritime security along important international trade routes.
The Puntland Maritime Police Force official stated that regional authorities were informed of the successful rescue only after the operation had been completed. The incident demonstrates the ongoing efforts of international authorities to combat piracy and ensure maritime security in the region.
Key points
- Indian Navy rescues 20 crew members from Iranian fishing vessel hijacked off Somalia's coast
- Operation involved Indian naval warship, maritime surveillance aircraft, and marine commandos
- Incident highlights continuing maritime security concerns off the Horn of Africa
