New Delhi: Indian naval forces freed an Iranian fishing boat and its crew of 20 hijacked off Somalia after an operation lasting more than 48 hours, the defence ministry said on November 3.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Navy, saying the operation was completed on November 2, more than 3,000 km from Mumbai in the Arabian Sea, with timely support from the Indian Air Force.An official with the Puntland Maritime Police Force told The Associated Press that Indian forces disarmed 12 suspected Somali pirates, confiscated their mobile phones and released them.The suspects and two Somali security guards later came ashore at Bandar Bayla in northeastern Somalia, the official said. Three of those who came ashore had minor injuries, but he did not specify whether they were suspects or guards, or how they were hurt.The government said the operation ended without casualties or injuries. It is unclear if the rescued crew were moved elsewhere.The operation involved a warship, a maritime surveillance aircraft and marine commandos. An Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft airdropped additional commandos, the ministry said.In a post on X, Singh said the swift location and interception of the vessel and the safe release of its crew from heavily armed pirates demonstrated the Navy’s operational readiness and ability to respond decisively to maritime threats.“Our brave personnel have once again demonstrated India’s ability, intent and resolve to safeguard lives, uphold maritime security and ensure stability across the Indian Ocean Region,” he said.The Azini was hijacked on October 29 between Bandar Bayla and Hafun, and according to reports had 21 Iranian crew members and two Somali security guards.Indian forces tracked the vessel by sea and air before securing it, the ministry said. It said there had been concern that pirates could use the boat as a floating base for attacks on commercial ships.(With AP inputs)