Two commercial vessels, an oil tanker and a cargo ship, carrying a total of 22 Indian nationals, were hijacked by armed pirates in separate incidents off Yemen and Somalia. All Indian crew members on both vessels are reported to be safe, according to the latest information from the shipping ministry and the External Affairs Ministry.
Puntland, the breakaway state of Somalia, with its long coastline, has been known as a hub for pirates. But recent efforts by the Puntland administration have resulted in the pirates relocating to central Somalia beyond Puntland's control, according to the President of the Puntland State of Somalia, Adiranaman Mohamed Mahamud 'Farole'.
Twenty two hostages, including five Indians, who had been kidnapped by Somali pirates nearly three years ago have been freed. Forces of Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland region said their maritime force began the operation to free the hostages, and their ship, nearly two weeks ago.
