Indian navy rescues 19 Pakistani held hostage by Somali pirates
The Indian Navy executed a second anti-piracy operation within 36 hours, rescued 19 Pakistani crew members held hostage by Somali pirates aboard an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel off the east coast of Somalia.
The operation unfolded when the Indian naval warship INS Sumitra swiftly intervened to thwart an attempted hijacking of the fishing vessel Al Naeemi by 11 Somali pirates, as announced by the Indian Defence Ministry today.
INS Sumitra was mobilized to locate and intercept the besieged Al Naeemi. The vessel had fallen victim to piracy, resulting in the abduction of 19 Pakistani crew members. The naval intervention successfully secured the release of the crew and the fishing vessel, underscoring the Indian Navy's commitment to safeguarding maritime security.
This achievement follows closely on the heels of another daring rescue mission on January 28, where INS Sumitra, an indigenous offshore patrol vessel, liberated the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Iman from the clutches of pirates. The crew of Iman had been taken hostage during a piracy incident in the same region.
'The Indian Navy has once again demonstrated its unwavering dedication in the region to counter all maritime threats, ensuring the safety of mariners and vessels at sea,' affirmed the ministry.
The Red Sea and the waters near the east coast of Somalia, vital shipping routes for global commerce, have witnessed a surge in piracy attempts and drone attacks. The incidents, allegedly orchestrated by Yemen's Houthi rebels, have targeted merchant ships linked to Israel. The Indian Navy's proactive response serves as a crucial deterrent against such threats, reinforcing the security of these strategic maritime passages.
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