NEW DELHI: In a swift and meticulously coordinated operation spanning over 48 hours, the Indian Navy successfully liberated the fishing vessel Azini from armed pirates off the northeastern coast of Somalia. The high-stakes operation culminated in the safe rescue of all 20 crew members without any casualties or injuries. The vessel had been hijacked by an armed pirate group earlier last month, posing a severe maritime security threat as authorities warned it could potentially be converted into a “mother ship” to launch further attacks on commercial shipping in the region.
Responding promptly to the crisis, the Indian Navy deployed a mission-ready warship supported by maritime reconnaissance aircraft to track and intercept the vessel. Through persistent surveillance and coordinated air-naval tracking, naval units isolated the hijacked vessel and employed calibrated non-kinetic measures to restrict its movement and block any escape routes. To reinforce the tactical operation, elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS) were precisely airdropped into the operational sector using an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 strategic transport aircraft.
Executing a decisive assault intervention, the naval forces secured the vessel, neutralized the armed pirate threat, and ensured the safe release of all 20 crew members. “The successful operation is a testament to the Indian Navy’s high operational preparedness and ability to undertake complex maritime security operations through seamless inter-service coordination. It also underscores India’s unwavering commitment to remaining First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region,” the Indian Navy stated in an official release.
Reiterating its broader strategic mandate, the Navy affirmed its continued commitment to safeguarding seafarers, protecting vital maritime trade corridors, and maintaining a safe and stable maritime environment across the Indian Ocean Region.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com