The Indian Navy conducted a 48-hour operation to rescue 20 crew members from the Iranian fishing vessel Azini, which was seized by Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
The Indian Navy has successfully rescued all 20 crew members from the Iranian fishing vessel Azini following a 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea. The vessel was hijacked by armed Somali pirates in waters off the northeastern coast of Somalia. According to the Indian Ministry of Defense, the operation resulted in no casualties or injuries.
The operation was conducted more than 3,000 kilometers from Mumbai. The Indian Navy utilized a mission-deployed warship supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft to locate and track the vessel. According to the Navy, the platforms employed "calibrated non-kinetic measures to contain its movement and prevent its escape."
To secure the vessel, marine commandos (MARCOS) were airdropped via an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 transport aircraft. The Navy stated that the commandos successfully took control of the vessel and subdued the pirates. Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Navy for the "meticulously coordinated operation" and noted that the mission reflected the Navy's "operational preparedness and its capacity to deal firmly with maritime threats across the region."
The Azini was seized by pirates in the waters between the coastal towns of Bandar Bayla and Hafun in northeastern Somalia. While the Indian Ministry of Defense confirmed 20 crew members were rescued, reports from the Associated Press, citing a Puntland maritime police official, previously stated there were 23 individuals on board, consisting of 21 Iranian fishermen and two Somali guards.
Indian officials assessed the hijacking as a significant maritime security threat, noting that pirates likely intended to use the vessel as a "mother ship" to launch further attacks on merchant vessels in the region. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta had confirmed the vessel's hijacking on October 29.
The rescue occurs amid a period of renewed piracy activity in the Gulf of Aden and the western Indian Ocean. According to data released by the International Maritime Organization in August, there have been at least 15 pirate attacks in waters off Somalia this year, which marks a new high since 2013. Indian media reported that the Azini was the third Iranian fishing vessel hijacked off the Somali coast since July.
In response to the incident, the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi issued a statement on X expressing gratitude to the Indian government. The embassy stated, "We highly commend the professionalism, courage and effective coordination demonstrated by the Indian Armed Forces, reflecting India's strong commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and its role in saving lives beyond borders."
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.
WorldTrending
An inquest at Ruthin Coroner's Court has concluded that Andy Lloyd died following an accident when his tipper lorry's grab arm contacted 11,000-volt overhead cables.
Global crude prices fell sharply on November 2, 2026, following reports of diplomatic engagement and potential concessions between the United States and Iran.
