Indian Navy rescues 20 crew members from hijacked fishing vessel off Somalia

Mumbai, Nov 3 (UNI) The Indian Navy has successfully rescued all 20 crew members of a fishing vessel, Azini, after foiling an armed pirate hijacking attempt off the northeastern coast of Somalia following a coordinated operation lasting over 48 hours. According to the Indian Navy, the fishing vessel had been hijacked by armed pirates last month, raising concerns that it could be used as a 'mother ship' to launch attacks on merchant vessels operating in the region. Following the incident, the Navy deployed a mission-based warship, supported by maritime reconnaissance aircraft, to locate and intercept the hijacked vessel. The naval…