Pakistan, April 24 -- Pirates operating near Somalia have seized an oil tanker and taken its crew hostage, including 11 Pakistani sailors, raising renewed concerns over maritime security in the region.

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According to shipping sources, the vessel named Owner 25 was attacked on April 21 while sailing near the Somali coast. Armed pirates reportedly boarded the ship and took control after a brief confrontation. The tanker was subsequently diverted to an undisclosed location under pirate control.

Officials confirmed that among the crew members on board were 11 Pakistani nationals. Families of the affected sailors have expressed deep concern over the situation, saying they ...