New Delhi: In a daring interception operation, the Indian Navy has successfully intercepted the hijacked cargo vessel MV Ruen and is urging the Somali pirates on board to surrender, according to a spokesperson from the Indian Navy.
The operation, which involved the deployment of the elite Marine Commando Force, also known as MARCOS, marks a significant advancement in maritime security efforts.
The Maltese-flagged bulk cargo vessel fell prey to Somali pirates on December 14, with the situation escalating when the pirates opened fire on the Indian Navy in international waters on Friday. Despite the aggression, the navy remains resolute, demanding the immediate release of the vessel along with any civilians held captive by the pirates, believed to number 17 crew members, with one released earlier due to medical concerns, the spokesperson said.
The CNN-News18 quoted sources as saying that communication channels have been established with the ship’s crew, comprising individuals from Angola, Myanmar, and Bermuda.
#IndianNavy thwarts designs of Somali pirates to hijack ships plying through the region by intercepting ex-MV Ruen.
The ex-MV Ruen, which had been hijacked by Somali pirates on #14Dec 23, was reported to have sailed out as a pirate ship towards conducting acts of #piracy on high… pic.twitter.com/gOtQJvNpZb
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 16, 2024
The plight of MV Ruen underscores the ongoing threat posed by piracy in the region, with indications suggesting a possible link between this incident and the recent hijacking of a Bangladesh-flagged cargo ship off the coast of Somalia, as reported by the European Union naval force.
Somali pirates have largely remained dormant since 2017 in successfully hijacking merchant vessels, making the seizure of MV Ruen a concerning development. Indian naval officials have recorded at least 17 incidents of hijacking, attempted hijacking, or suspicious approaches since December, prompting heightened security measures, including the deployment of a dozen warships east of the Red Sea in January.
The Indian Navy’s swift response to incidents in the Arabian Sea underscores its commitment to ensuring maritime security, with collaborative efforts with international partners pivotal in safeguarding merchant shipping. Presently, more than 50 warships from non-regional forces are engaged in missions across the Indian Ocean, with a primary focus on anti-piracy operations.
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