Indian commandos free MV Ruen cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates

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By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

In a swift and decisive operation, Indian commandos have successfully apprehended 35 Somali pirates who hijacked a Maltese-flagged cargo vessel in the Indian Ocean. The vessel in question, MV Ruen, fell victim to the pirates’ seizure in December off the coast of Somalia, nearly 2,600 kilometers away from the Indian coast.

The Indian Navy, renowned for its maritime security prowess, swiftly responded to the crisis, dispatching special commandos aboard one of its warships. In a testament to their skill and efficiency, all 17 crew members of the hijacked MV Ruen were safely rescued without any reported injuries.

A spokesperson for the Indian Navy, addressing the media, confirmed the successful operation, underscoring the importance of safeguarding maritime routes against piracy threats. The navy’s vigilant efforts extended beyond the rescue mission, as the hijacked vessel was meticulously searched for illegal arms, ammunition, and contraband.

Ahmed Yassin Saleh, the minister for ports and maritime transport in Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland, commended the Indian Navy’s swift action, affirming that the hijacked vessel had been liberated, and its crew members were unharmed.

However, concerns persist regarding the potential involvement of the pirates in other acts of maritime piracy. European Union naval forces have raised suspicions that the pirates aboard the MV Ruen may have been implicated in the recent hijacking of a Bangladesh-flagged cargo ship off the Somali coast.

The hijacking of the MV Ruen marks the first successful seizure of a vessel involving Somali pirates since 2017. The resurgence of piracy activity underscores the ongoing challenges in maritime security, despite concerted international efforts to curb such incidents in crucial waterways like the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

For over a decade, Somali pirates wreaked havoc in vital global maritime routes before a concerted crackdown by international naval forces stemmed the tide of attacks. However, recent developments suggest a resurgence in piracy activities, necessitating continued vigilance and collaborative efforts to ensure maritime security.

India, recognizing the gravity of the piracy threat, maintains a robust security presence in the region, deploying a dozen warships east of the Red Sea. This proactive stance underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding maritime trade routes, particularly as Western powers focus on other security challenges.

The successful operation to neutralize the Somali pirate threat highlights the Indian Navy’s capabilities and readiness to address maritime security threats effectively. As incidents of piracy persist, India remains steadfast in its resolve to uphold maritime security and protect vital trade routes from nefarious actors.

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