World · Africa · 40 mins ago
Indian navy rescues 20 crew from hijacked Iranian fishing boat off Somalia
India’s navy rescued 20 crew members from the Iranian fishing boat Azini, which was hijacked off Somalia.
The rescue operation ended Monday in the Arabian Sea after more than 48 hours of tracking and intervention involving a warship, aircraft and marine commandos.
A Puntland maritime police official said Indian forces disarmed 12 suspected Somali pirates, who later came ashore with two Somali security guards.
India said there were no casualties or injuries, while the Puntland official said three people who came ashore had minor injuries; accounts also differ on the number of crew aboard before the rescue.
India said the pirates might have used the boat as a base for attacks on commercial ships, making the hijacking a concern beyond the crew’s safety.
The rescue comes amid renewed Somali piracy, which has added to risks for shipping in a region already facing disruption to major oil routes.
Indian naval forces rescued 20 crew members from the hijacked Iranian fishing vessel Azini off Somalia after an operation lasting more than 48 hours.
The rescue was completed Monday in the Arabian Sea, according to India’s Defense Ministry.
The operation involved a warship, surveillance aircraft, Marine Commandos and an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.
India said the pirates might have used the vessel as a base for attacks on commercial ships.
A Puntland maritime police official said Indian forces disarmed 12 suspected pirates and released them; reports differed on whether anyone was injured.
- Who
- Indian naval forces rescued 20 crew members from the Iranian fishing vessel Azini. A Puntland official said 12 suspected Somali pirates were disarmed and released.
- What
- The Navy secured the hijacked vessel and freed its crew after an operation lasting more than 48 hours.
- When
- The vessel was hijacked on Oct. 29. The rescue was completed Monday, before the reports were published on Nov. 3, 2026.
- Where
- In the Arabian Sea, off Somalia. The hijacking was reported between Bandar Bayla and Hafun.
- Why
- India said there was concern pirates could use the vessel as a base for attacks on commercial ships.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Azini was hijacked between Bandar Bayla and Hafun, according to the reports.
Indian naval forces completed the rescue operation in the Arabian Sea and freed 20 crew members.
- Vessel
- Azini
- Crew rescued
- 20
- Suspected pirates
- 12 disarmed and released, according to a Puntland official
- Operation duration
- More than 48 hours
- Rescue location
- Arabian Sea, more than 3,000 kilometers from Mumbai
- Hijacking date
- Oct. 29
5 sources
Indian navy rescues 20 crew from Iranian fishing boat hijacked off Somalia
Indian navy rescues 20 crew from Iranian fishing vessel hijacked off Somalia
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