The Indian Navy’s MARCOS (Marine Commandos) successfully captured the MV Ruen, a commercial vessel hijacked by Somali pirates in December, and detained 35 pirates. The operation took place near the Yemeni Island of Socotra, east off the Horn of Africa. The 17 crew members of the Ruen, held hostage for over three months, were rescued. The action began at approximately 0600 EST, with the operation being part of efforts to combat piracy and protect commercial shipping in the region.
Indian Navy is no Joke 😈
35 Somali Pirates Surrendering to the MARCOS Special Forces of the Indian Navy 🇮🇳
B!tches learnt lesson to Fire & Clash with Navy..
India is King of Indian Ocean Region 🌊 pic.twitter.com/iOIcFakpkL
— Vivek Singh (@VivekSi85847001) March 17, 2024
The MV Ruen had been used as a mothership for pirate attacks, including on the MV Abdullah. The operation involved the Indian destroyers, including the stealth-guided missile destroyer INS Kolkata and the patrol vessel INS Subhadra. MARCOS were airdropped into the high seas by a C-17 aircraft, supported by Sea Guardian drones, HALE RPAs, P8I maritime patrol aircraft, and MARCOS-PRAHARs.
Quite a dramatic visual of Indian Navy Marcos commandos being air dropped during anti piracy operation on MV Ruen with Combat Rubberised Raiding Craft (CRRC) boats around. https://t.co/ZKMOeYXABU pic.twitter.com/3sqBVDYNzz
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 17, 2024
Throughout the operation, which lasted 40 hours, the Navy used coordinated tactics to corner and coerce the pirates into surrendering, ensuring the crew’s safety. The pirates opened fire on naval assets, prompting INS Kolkata to return aggressive warning fire, leading to the pirates’ surrender. The operation took place approximately 2,600 km from the Indian coast.
.@VivekSi85847001pic.twitter.com/cj4SUdwoKa
‘Speechless 🥶🔥🇮🇳’“So Indian Navy with Support from IAF makes Real Life Action Packed Scene against 35 Armed Pirates near Yemeni Shore 🌊
>Hijackers Tracked & Warning Shot 💥
>Aerial Survey of Hijacked Ship
>Stunning Visual of MARCOS…— Earnest And Soulful (@EarnestnSoulful) March 17, 2024
The captured pirates are expected to be brought back to India for trial, marking a significant shift in handling piracy cases by bringing perpetrators to justice within the country. This operation represents the Indian Navy’s extensive capabilities and strategic reach in maritime security operations.
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