Indian Navy launches operation to rescue Iranian vessel from pirate seizure

Indian Navy ships are currently engaged in a mission to liberate an Iranian fishing vessel taken captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

TASS reports, citing the Indian Navy's press service.

According to the Navy's statement, they received intelligence regarding a potential pirate assault on the Iranian fishing vessel, Al Kamar 786, on Thursday evening. The incident occurred approximately 170 km off the shores of Socotra Island, situated in the Indian Ocean around 100 km from Cape Guardafui, the northeastern tip of Somalia.

"Two Indian Navy vessels, deployed for maritime security operations, were dispatched to intercept the hijacked vessel, reportedly occupied by nine armed pirates. The interception occurred on March 29. The Indian Navy is currently conducting an operation to liberate the vessel and its crew," stated the Navy's press office in a communication posted on X.

Since December 2023, the Indian Navy has maintained a heightened state of readiness in the Arabian Sea in response to escalated attacks on merchant vessels by Houthi rebels and pirates in the region.

Recent reports indicate that Indian naval vessels have responded to 18 distress signals from assaulted ships during this period. Among the noteworthy operations was the successful liberation of the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Ruen on March 16, during which thirty-five Somali pirates were apprehended and subsequently brought to India for prosecution.