Dubai: Five crew members, including an Indian sailor, were killed by Somali pirates aboard the hijacked fuel tanker MT Honour 25 before Somali security forces regained control of the vessel.

The Puntland Maritime Police Force said three Pakistani nationals, one Indian and one Myanmar national were killed in the incident. Three Pakistani crew members and another Indian sailor were also injured.

The Palau-flagged tanker was hijacked in April while sailing towards Mogadishu. The vessel was carrying oil products when it was taken over by Somali pirates.

Somali security forces later launched an operation to regain control of the tanker. Authorities said the operation was successful and the vessel is now under government control.

Following the operation, 16 suspected pirates were arrested, according to officials. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate other people allegedly involved in the hijacking.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of crew members and shipping vessels operating in waters off Somalia. However, details surrounding the deaths and the circumstances aboard the tanker remain under investigation. MT Honour 25 remains under government control, while Somali authorities continue their investigation and efforts to identify and locate other suspects connected to the hijacking.