Indian Navy Brings 35 Somali Pirates to Mumbai: Who Hijacked Merchant Vessel MV Ruen

Defense News ,India :- On a recent Saturday, the Indian Navy accomplished a remarkable feat. They captured 35 Somali pirates and safely brought them back to Mumbai. This came after a daring operation where Indian forces rescued a hijacked ship and saved many hostages.

The navy revealed that the warship INS Kolkata returned to Mumbai on March 23rd, carrying the captured pirates. The navy handed them over to the local police for legal action under Indian laws, particularly the Maritime Anti Piracy Act 2022.

The rescue mission involved elite marine commandos being dropped from a C-17 aircraft. There were intense exchanges of gunfire as they freed the hijacked merchant vessel MV Ruen along with its 17 crew members. The pirates had taken control of MV Ruen to use it as a base for attacking other ships in the area.

In the midst of the operation, the pirates even targeted a small surveillance drone launched from the destroyer INS Kolkata. An officer explained that due to the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, these pirates couldn't just be let go. They posed a threat, and if released, they would likely resume their piracy activities.

The Indian Navy employed a comprehensive strategy, including long-range deployment and paradropping of Marine Commandos using C-17s, coordinated with the Indian Air Force. Aerial surveillance was conducted using various aircraft and drones.

Facing determined action from the Indian Navy, the pirates surrendered. They, along with the crew members, were taken into custody. The navy then thoroughly searched the ship for weapons, ammunition, and illegal goods to ensure it was safe. Necessary repairs were also made to the ship before it could continue its voyage.

Commander Vivek Madhwal, the navy spokesperson, described the pirates' hostile actions, including shooting down a drone and firing at INS Kolkata. In response, INS Kolkata disabled the pirate vessel's systems, forcing it to stop. The marine commandos and combat boats were precisely dropped to enhance the operation's effectiveness.

The warship INS Kolkata arrived in Mumbai with the captured pirates, who were promptly handed over to the local police. This operation was part of Operation Sankalp, aimed at safeguarding ships and sailors in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

 the Indian Navy's successful mission not only rescued hostages and ships but also demonstrated their commitment to combating piracy in the region.

(With inputs from TOI, PTI)