The Indian Navy successfully conducted a strategic operation on Saturday to neutralize a group of 35 pirates aboard the hijacked merchant ship MV Ruen, which was situated approximately 1,400 nautical miles away from the Indian coast. Through a coordinated effort involving various assets including the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, INS Kolkata, INS Subhadra, and a high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle, along with the deployment of elite MARCOS commandos, the Navy ensured the safe evacuation of all 17 crew members without any injuries.
The vessel MV Ruen had been hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14 last year and was reportedly being used for piracy activities on the high seas. In response to the threat posed by the armed pirates, the Indian Navy took appropriate measures under international law to counter piracy, using minimal force to neutralize the threat and safeguard shipping and seafarers.
Following the successful operation, the Indian Navy continued to maintain its vigilance in the Western Indian Ocean, assisting several merchant vessels that came under attack. In recent months, the Navy has been actively involved in thwarting piracy attempts and ensuring the safety of crew members aboard hijacked vessels.
The Navy's proactive measures come amid growing global concerns over maritime security, particularly in critical sea lanes such as the Red Sea, where Houthi militants have been carrying out attacks on cargo vessels.
