The operation led to the rescue of 23 Pakistani nationals aboard fishing vessel Al Kambar
Nine pirates apprehended by the Indian Navy in an anti-piracy operation east of Somalia last week have been handed over to the Mumbai Police for legal proceedings.
 
The operation, conducted by Indian warships INS Trishul and INS Sumedha on March 29, led to the rescue of 23 Pakistani nationals aboard the fishing vessel Al Kambar.
 
The Indian Navy's swift action culminated on April 3 when INS Trishul arrived in Mumbai, transferring the pirates to local authorities. They are now facing charges under the stringent Maritime Anti-Piracy Act 2022, among other laws. An Indian Navy spokesperson emphasized the navy's commitment to safeguarding merchant shipping and seafarers in the Indian Ocean Region, irrespective of nationality.
 
The captured pirates, identified and arrested, were found in possession of significant weaponry, including AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, and rocket launchers. Head pirates identified were Gelie Jama Farah, aged 50; Ahmed Bashir Omar, 42; Abdikarin Mohmmad Shire, 34; Adan Hasan Warmase, 44; Mohammed Abdi Ahmed, 34; Abdikadir Mohmmad Ali, 28; Aydid Mohmud Jimale, 30; Said Yasin Adan, 25; and Jama Said Elmi, 18. 
 
The Indian Navy received inputs on a potential piracy incident onboard the Iranian fishing vessel approximately 90 nautical miles (nm) south west of Socotra late on the evening of March 28, 2024.
 
Two Indian Naval ships mission-deployed in the Arabian Sea for maritime security operations were diverted to intercept the hijacked fishing vessel.
 
INS Sumedha intercepted FV Al-Kambar during the early hours of March 29, 2024. It was joined subsequently by the guided missile frigate INS Trishul. 
 
The pirates on board the hijacked fishing vessel were forced to surrender after more than 12 hours of intense coercive tactical measures and the crew was safely rescued.
 
After a six-day journey to Mumbai, the pirates were taken into custody, with a cache of 728 live rounds of AK-47, a GPS device, and mobile phones seized from their vessel.