Indian Navy rescues 20 crew from hijacked vessel off Somalia coast
Marine commandos were airdropped via an Indian Air Force aircraft to secure the fishing vessel Azini during a 48-hour operation.
The Indian Navy rescued 20 crew members from the hijacked fishing vessel Azini off the northeastern Somalia coast during a 48-hour operation, according to The Indian Express. The mission involved marine commandos who were parachuted into the area via a precision airdrop by an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 aircraft.
The vessel had been seized by an armed pirate group earlier last month. The Navy stated that the hijacking represented a significant maritime security threat, as there were fears the vessel would be used as a "mother ship" to launch further pirate raids against merchant shipping in the region.
To execute the rescue, the Navy deployed a mission-deployed warship and a maritime reconnaissance aircraft. The Navy said these platforms located the vessel through persistent surveillance and used calibrated non-kinetic measures to prevent its escape.
The commandos secured the vessel and neutralised the pirate threat without any casualties or injuries. The Navy described the successful operation as a testament to its operational preparedness and ability to conduct complex security operations through inter-service coordination.
The Navy stated it remains committed to safeguarding seafarers and protecting vital maritime trade routes to ensure a stable maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region.