Indian Navy Rescues Azini, Frees 20 Crew off Somalia
More than 48-hour operation involving naval warship, reconnaissance aircraft and Marine Commandos ends without casualties
- Indian Navy frees hijacked fishing vessel Azini off Somalia.
- All 20 crew members rescued without injuries or casualties.
- Marine Commandos deployed with IAF C-17 support.
- Operation lasted more than 48 hours.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd Nov: The Indian Navy rescues Azini operation has ended successfully, with all 20 crew members of the hijacked fishing vessel safely freed from armed pirates off the coast of Somalia. The coordinated mission lasted more than 48 hours, and no casualties or injuries were reported.
The fishing vessel Azini was hijacked by an armed pirate group earlier last month off Somalia’s north-eastern coast. The incident raised concerns that the vessel could be used as a ‘mother ship’ to launch further attacks on merchant vessels operating in the region.
Multi-agency operation secures vessel
The Indian Navy deployed a mission-ready warship, supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft, to locate and track the hijacked vessel. The platforms maintained surveillance and used calibrated non-kinetic measures to restrict its movement and prevent it from escaping.
Marine Commandos were subsequently deployed, with support from a precision airdrop conducted by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.
The coordinated tactical intervention enabled the Navy to secure the vessel, overcome the pirate threat and rescue all 20 crew members safely.
India reinforces maritime security commitment
The successful operation highlights the Indian Navy’s preparedness to respond to complex maritime security threats, particularly in strategically important waters around the Indian Ocean.
It also reflects close coordination between the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force in carrying out high-risk maritime operations.
The Navy reiterated its commitment to safeguarding seafarers, protecting vital maritime trade routes and maintaining a safe, secure and stable maritime environment. India also continues to position itself as a first responder and preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
