India Frees Iranian Fishing Vessel Hijacked by Pirates

The Indian Navy announced that it has freed 23 crew members of an Iranian fishing vessel that had been hijacked by pirates near Somalia. According to a statement from the Indian Navy on Friday, April 10, the vessel "Alkhamber 786" was seized on Thursday, April 9, southwest of the Yemeni island of Socotra in the Arabian Sea by 9 pirates. The statement adds that the ship was intercepted by two Indian Navy ships, and after "12 hours of tactical operations," the pirates surrendered. In a separate statement on Saturday, April 11, the Indian Navy announced that, following domestic laws to combat piracy, the 9 captured pirates would be transferred to India. According to the statement, all 23 crew members of the fishing vessel, who are Pakistani, are safe and were released to continue their fishing activities after undergoing medical examinations. Incidents of piracy have increased again after a decade. In recent months, Western countries have mainly focused on countering attacks by Houthi forces supported by the Islamic Republic in regional waters. Pirates have also exploited this situation, targeting over 20 vessels, which has led to increased insurance and security costs for ships. The extensive deployment of Indian warships near the Red Sea aims to combat piracy. Two members of the U.S. Navy SEALs went missing off the coast of Somalia.