Somali pirates have seized an Iranian fishing vessel, the Azini, with 23 people aboard, raising concerns about possible attacks on commercial shipping in the region.

The vessel was captured off the northeastern coast of Somalia, between the coastal towns of Bandar Beyla and Hafun, according to US News.

A semi-autonomous region of Somalia, the crew included 21 Iranian nationals and two Somali security guards. Twelve pirates took part in the attack.

The condition of the crew remains unknown.

The Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) warned that the hijacked vessel could be used as a floating base for attacks on commercial ships operating in the area.

The European Union's Operation Atalanta, a naval mission focused on combating piracy, has launched an investigation into the incident. The mission has urged vessels operating in the region to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.