In a dramatic high-seas confrontation, Indian marine commandos have successfully stormed a pirate-hijacked bulk carrier, liberating the vessel and rescuing all crew members in a precision overnight operation.
The MV Ruen, which had been under pirate control since December, became the focus of an intense naval response after the Indian Navy's maritime patrol aircraft tracked the vessel moving into Arabian Sea waters. Intelligence indicated the ship was being utilised as a mother ship for piracy operations, posing a significant threat to international shipping lanes.
Daring Nighttime Assault
As the INS Kolkata closed in on the hijacked vessel approximately 2600 km from the Indian coast, the Indian Navy's elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS) prepared for a complex boarding operation. The stealth assault unfolded under cover of darkness, with commandos securing the vessel through coordinated tactical movements.
"All 21 crew members, including 15 Indian nationals, have been safely evacuated from the citadel," a naval spokesperson confirmed. "No injuries were reported among the rescued personnel during the successful operation."
International Maritime Threat Neutralised
The successful intervention marks a significant blow to resurgent Somali piracy in the region. The MV Ruen had been commandeered by pirates last year off the Somali coast, representing the first successful major hijacking by Somali pirates since 2017.
Indian naval forces have substantially increased their anti-piracy patrols following recent attacks, including the attempted hijacking of the Maltese-flagged MV Ruen in December and another vessel off the Somalian coast earlier this week.
This decisive action demonstrates the growing capability of international naval forces to respond to maritime threats in one of the world's busiest shipping corridors, ensuring the safety of global trade routes from criminal elements.
