As this publication has been covering for the past two days, Indian Navy Commandos have been attempting to capture the M/V Ruen, a commercial vessel seized in December, from Somalia pirates. The vessel has been used as a mothership to attack other commercial vessels in the region including the M/V Abdullah.
As of 0930 EST, the Indian MARCOS (Marine Commandos) have seized the vessel and captured 35 Somali pirates. The vessel was reportedly captured near the Yemeni Island of Socotra which lies East off the Horn of Africa in the Indian Ocean, outside of Houthi controlled territory.
35 Somali pirates surrendering to Indian Navy's MARCOS commandos during an operation onboard MV Ruen in high seas, near Yemeni island of Socotra https://t.co/fj5KmQY5W7 pic.twitter.com/O7Y6TH4VYH
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 17, 2024
The 17 crew members have also been rescued after being held hostage for more than three months. The operation began in earnest with boarding attempts at around 0600 EST this morning when Indian destroyers were spotted pulling up along side the Ruen. It does not appear at this time that any MARCOS personnel were killed in an extraordinary display of ability by the Indian Navy.
This success is a refreshing change after months of maritime attacks by the Houthis. However, there is no information available as of this publication on the status of the M/V Abdullah, which was most likely seized by this same clan of pirates.
The MARCOS were founded in February 1987. The force has gradually acquired more experience and an international reputation for professionalism. The MARCOS regularly undertake specialised maritime operations in Jammu and Kashmir through the Jhelum River and Wular Lake, a 65 square kilometres (16,000 acres) freshwater lake, and conduct counter-insurgency operations in the region.
