Indian Navy thwarts Somali pirates' attempt to use hijacked vessel for piracy; Details inside-
16 Mar 2024 11:15:57
New Delhi, Mar 16: In a significant development, the Indian Navy successfully prevented Somali pirates from utilizing the ex-MV Ruen vessel for acts of piracy on the high seas.
Notably, the vessel had been hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14, 2023. The Maltese-flagged bulk cargo vessel Ruen was intercepted by a navy warship on March 15. The action was taken in accordance with international law.
"The vessel opened fire on the warship, which is taking actions in accordance with international law, in self-defense & to counter piracy, with minimal force necessary to neutralize the pirates’ threat to shipping and seafarers," the Navy said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
What happened?
Notably, the vessel had been hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14, 2023. The Maltese-flagged bulk cargo vessel Ruen was intercepted by a navy warship on March 15. The action was taken in accordance with international law.
During the interception, the Ruen reportedly opened fire on the Indian Navy warship, prompting a response from naval officials. The Navy is currently undertaking actions in accordance with international law to neutralize the threat posed by the hijacked vessel.
"The vessel opened fire on the warship, which is taking actions in accordance with international law, in self-defense & to counter piracy, with minimal force necessary to neutralize the pirates’ threat to shipping and seafarers," the Navy said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Also Read: NB Explains | Navy's INS Sumitra carries out 2 anti-piracy ops hijacked by Somali pirates, rescues 36 crew including Pak nationals
Rising Piracy Attacks in the Arabian Sea
The Indian Navy, in the last few months, has been on alert due to the constant hijacking by pirates happening in the Arabian Sea. According to data published by the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta, the region accounted for almost 700 pirate attacks during 2008-13, but the figure dropped rapidly to just 16 during 2014-19, according to data published by the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta - the EU maritime security operation in the western Indian Ocean.
The first piracy attempt in the region in the last three years was reported in December 2023. One of the reasons is increasing tensions in and around the Red Sea following attacks on merchant vessels by Iran-backed Houthi rebels and trouble has reached the Arabian Sea, too. Several ships targeted in the area had Indian crews on board or were headed to the country’s shores.
The first piracy attempt in the region in the last three years was reported in December 2023. One of the reasons is increasing tensions in and around the Red Sea following attacks on merchant vessels by Iran-backed Houthi rebels and trouble has reached the Arabian Sea, too. Several ships targeted in the area had Indian crews on board or were headed to the country’s shores.
Also Read: Indian Navy responds swiftly against hijacking in Arabian Sea; rescues Malta vessel with 18 crew members onboard
The Houthi rebels have been targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea with missiles and drones after the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7. Several shipping companies have suspended their operations in the Red Sea following the Houthi attacks, which has forced mariners to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.
Speaking on the same, Dr Jaishankar, who was in Iran on January 15, flagged concerns about the increase in threats to maritime traffic in the region including attacks in the vicinity of the Indian coast with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
The Houthi rebels have been targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea with missiles and drones after the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7. Several shipping companies have suspended their operations in the Red Sea following the Houthi attacks, which has forced mariners to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.
Speaking on the same, Dr Jaishankar, who was in Iran on January 15, flagged concerns about the increase in threats to maritime traffic in the region including attacks in the vicinity of the Indian coast with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
Also Read: #SecurityScan 70: Indian Navy's deployment of Warships in Arabian sea and more
The growing threats to commercial shipping in the region were also discussed during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, who was in India for the Republic Day celebrations.
The growing threats to commercial shipping in the region were also discussed during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, who was in India for the Republic Day celebrations.