According to an official report, Indian Navy warship, INS Sumitra rescued 19 Pakistani sailors after their fishing vessel named Al Naeemi was hijacked by pirates off east coast of Somalia.
Vessel Hijacked
The vessel was rescued from the southern Arabian sea, approximately 850 kilometres west of Kochi. It is known that the crew comprising wholly of Pakistani Nationals were held hostage with their hands tied to their backs. This information was leaked from a photo that was posted on the social media platform, X.
So far that we know there were 11 pirates on board. The moment INS Sumitra received an urgent call from the vessel they rushed to save them. The INS Sumitra which is India’s indigenous vessel, was deployed for carrying out anti piracy operations in the waters of eastern Somalia.
Rescue Operations for Pakistani Sailors
With the effective use of helicopters and boats Indian Navy not only successfully saved the crew and the vessel but also combated the pirates with coercive techniques. Further procedures were taken to sanitize the vessel as well as look after the well-being of the passengers. This is the second time since 24 hours that the Indian Navy saved another Iranian vessel that was hijacked by the pirates.
There have been reports on recent attacks on merchant vessels off the coast of Somalia, and India has always remained one of those countries that’s the first one to respond to an SOS call. These consequent attacks contribute to the instability in the region around Somalia. This precariousness is due to the breakdown of maritime security caused by the Iranian rebel group, Houthis.
Who are Houthis?
The Houthis is a predominantly religious and military rebel group that emerged from Yemen. They derive their name from native Houthi tribe living in Northern Yemen.
They attack vessels which are found to be linked to Israel and in doing so, they demonstrate their solidarity for the people of Gaza. However, they have attacked various others vessels who have no connection with Israel. Houthis fire drones and missiles and also use speed boats for vehement opposition towards Israel, as they consider the country as it’s biggest enemy.
Since November, 2023 people belonging to this group have hijacked numerous commercial ships in the Red Sea and adjoining area. The IMB, International Maritime Bureau, revealed in its annual report that 105 vessels were boarded by hijackers, nine attempted attacks took place and two vessels fired.
Not only Indian Navy, but the US Naval force, along with French Navy have come together in effectively thwarting these attacks.
Nations’ Say on Houthi Attacks
Although the US affirms Iran’s support and involvement for enabling the Houthis group to carry out incessant attacks but the Iranian government denies it. Various Countries allege that Iran has remained a biggest supplier of arms, drones and ammunitions to the Houthis, yet they decline these sayings and in turn advocate for supporting the Houthis group politically.
India’s stance to combat maritime attacks
Following, this incident the Indian Navy, increasing its surveillance has now deployed 12 warships in the region around Gulf of Aden and Somalia against the increasing cases of hostilities.
External Foreign affairs minister of India, Minister S Jaishankar appreciated the Navy on their commendable move and attributed to it’s “greater capability”. He also expressed that if the country does not help out other nations in their difficult situations, then it will be futile on our part to call ourselves a friendly nation.
The minister further added that several such attacks were seen in the vicinity of India which is also a grave concern for India as well as the international community. He stressed on the need for appropriate measures to tackle this conflict.
Once again, the Indian Navy with its unwavering commitment stood up against maritime threats and brought hundreds of people out of danger.
