New Delhi: In a swift and well-coordinated operation spanning over 48 hours, the Indian Navy successfully liberated the fishing vessel Azini from armed pirates. The operation culminated in the safe rescue of all 20 crew members, with no casualties or injuries.
The fishing vessel Azini was reportedly hijacked by an armed pirate group earlier last month off the northeastern coast of Somalia. The hijacking posed a significant maritime security threat, as the vessel could potentially have been used as a ‘mother ship’ to launch further pirate attacks against merchant vessels in the region.
Responding to the situation, the Indian Navy deployed a mission-ready warship to intervene, supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
Working in close coordination, these platforms located the vessel through persistent surveillance, tracked its movements and employed calibrated non-kinetic measures to restrict its movement and prevent its escape.
Marine Commandos were also deployed through a precision airdrop from an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 aircraft.
Executing a swift and well-coordinated tactical intervention, the Indian Navy secured the vessel, neutralised the 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 said.
The Navy reiterated its commitment to safeguarding seafarers, protecting vital maritime trade routes and ensuring a safe, secure and stable maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
