The Somali force has launched an operation against pirates who hijacked the oil tanker Honour 25. Five crew members were killed during the operation.
The deceased crew members included three Pakistanis, one Indian and one Myanmar national.
The Pakistani nationals were identified as Second Officer Kashif Umar, Third Engineer Mehmood Ansari and Rafi Ullah.
The Indian crew member was identified as Tanveer, while the chief engineer from Myanmar was also among those killed.
Four people were also injured during the operation by the Somali forces, according to reports.
Honour 25
The Puntland forces have freed the product tanker Honour 25 after it was held by Somali pirates for nearly five months.
The vessel had been hijacked in April and was among the longest-running piracy incidents linked to the recent rise in Somali pirate activity.
The operation came days after the recovery of Sibu 1. The two operations highlight increased action by regional forces against piracy.
14 pirates killed by Turkish and Somali forces
Previously, Turkish naval forces and Somalia’s armed forces carried out a joint operation to regain control of the commercial vessel MV LATUF after it was seized by pirates in Somali waters.
The operation continued for 10 days, according to Somali authorities. The Somali government said 14 suspected pirates were killed during the operation. Four boats used by the pirates were also destroyed.
Somalia’s Ministry of Defence said continued military pressure forced the remaining pirates to leave the vessel and flee.
Security forces later boarded the ship and secured it. The vessel was allowed to continue its journey after authorities confirmed it was safe.
Sources in Puntland said at least eight crew members were on board the vessel. One of them was a Turkish national. Officials said the crew members were safe.
