NEWS

Hadramout Coast Guard Rescues Three Somali Security Personnel from Fishing Vessel

Hadramout Coast Guard (Official Facebook Page)

08-10-2025 at 9 PM Aden Time

Mukalla (South24 Center)


On Tuesday, October 7, the Coast Guard forces in Hadramout Governorate, southern Yemen, rescued three Somali security personnel held captive onboard a fishing vessel, off Qasa’r Port on the Arabian Sea.


The vessel was coming from the Puntland region of Somalia, when it was intercepted by the Coast Guard in Yemeni waters.


In a statement published by the Hadramout Coast Guard, the Coast Guard stated that they had received a report from Somali authorities about the presence of the kidnapped victims on board the vessel. The Coast Guard units then initiated surveillance operations using maritime surveillance systems and radars, leading to the interception of the vessel, and the rescuing of the kidnapped personnel. The entire operation was carried out without any casualties among the hostages or the executing force.


The statement added that the kidnappers had intended to unload a cargo of fish at a local port while keeping the hostages concealed on board. Inspection by the Coast Guard revealed the presence of weapons and military uniforms on board, raising suspicions about the crew’s involvement in illegal activities.


Authorities added that the ten-member crew was detained for questioning, while the three rescued hostages were transferred to a medical unit to receive care.


In an exclusive statement to South24 Center, the Commander of the Hadramout Coast Guard, Naval Colonel Omar Al-Saa'i, stated that the operation was carried out "after careful surveillance and continuous monitoring of the suspected individuals”.


He explained that the Somali authorities had sent a report about local fishermen having restrained three Somali soldiers who were accompanying the vessel and fled with them into Yemeni waters.


Al-Saa'i added, "We moved discreetly to inspect the vessel and verify the information without alerting the crew. The situation was managed with a high level of professionalism.” He said that the perpetrators were handed over to Yemeni security agencies to complete legal investigations.


The coast of Hadramout, stretching over 350 kilometers along the Arabian Sea, is the longest in Yemen and represents a critical hub for regional maritime security. At a time when Coast Guard forces are intensifying their operations to combat smuggling and illicit activities in international sea lanes, this mission underscores their growing role in maintaining security.


- South24 Center

South24 Center

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