Indian naval forces have freed an Iranian fishing boat and its crew of 20 hijacked off Somalia.

The operation was successfully carried out on November 2, with the Indian Navy locating and intercepting the vessel and securing the safe release of all crew members from heavily armed pirates.

The Indian Navy rescued 20 Azini crew members from armed pirates with Indian Air Force support. Rajnath Singh said the mission demonstrated India's readiness to counter regional maritime threats.

The Indian Navy rescued 20 Azini crew members from armed pirates with Indian Air Force support. Rajnath Singh said the mission demonstrated India's readiness to counter regional maritime threats.

New Delhi: In a swift and well-coordinated operation spanning over 48 hours, the Indian Navy successfully liberated the fishing vessel, Azini, from armed

The Azini was hijacked off the northeastern coast of Somalia, on October 29, between the towns of Bandar Bayla and Hafun, according to the Puntland Maritime Police Force. The seizure was a serious maritime security threat in itself, because a captured fishing vessel can be turned into a mother ship for launching further attacks on merchant shipping in the region.