MOGADISHU (SD) -The Somali government has released 35 individuals, all of whom are Iranian nationals, who were detained for illegal fishing in Somali waters.

The interim Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Somali Government, Ali Balcad, stated that the deportation of the 35 Iranian nationals was carried out, indicating that they will be returned to their homeland.

Iran’s Ambassador to Somalia Ali Gholampour, confirmed the deportation of the illegal fishermen from Somalia, stating that these individuals will be returned to their country.

Somalia has on several occasions jailed illegal fishermen from Iran who were caught fishing in Somali waters.