TEHRAN – Intelligence forces have rescued four Iranian sailors from the captivity of pirates in Somalia following a complicated operation.

The sailors - Masoud Balouchi, Ahmad Balouchi, Adam Balouchi and Shir-Mohammad Tabezar - were kidnapped three years ago in international waters near Somalia. 

Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi, who welcomed the sailors in Tehran on Thursday, said the ministry under his leadership put the release of the sailors on its agenda upon an order by President Rouhani who met the sailors’ families during his visit to the southeastern city of Chabahar, Press TV reported.

MH/PA