35 Somalian Pirates Apprehended By INS Kolkata Handed Over To Mumbai Police

The exercise was carried out as part of the ongoing Operation Sankalp, in which Indian Navy ships are stationed in the Arabian Sea...

Digital Desk: The pirates were apprehended by the Indian Navy's INS Kolkata during an anti-piracy operation on March 16th. 35 Somali pirates were handed over to Mumbai police after Customs and Immigration formalities were completed. 

The exercise was carried out as part of the ongoing Operation Sankalp, in which Indian Navy ships are stationed in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden to ensure the safety of seafarers and merchants transiting through the region.

This follows a successful operation by Indian forces to release a hijacked bulk carrier and rescue many hostages. Marine commandos were parachuted from a C-17 aircraft during the rescue operation.

The pirates, who had stolen MV Ruen to serve as a "mother pirate ship" for attacks on other commercial ships in the region, also shot down a tiny spotter drone launched by destroyer INS Kolkata during the operation.

DD News on X says, “The Indian Navy warship INS Kolkata has taken 35 sea pirates in custody who hijacked MV Ruen. Marine commandos showed their heroics as they were airdropped from C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft. With their special boats, commandos moved towards the vessel and carried out the operation.”

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar in a lecture says, “INS Kolkata undertook precisely measured actions while maintaining her position close to the vessel. She also engaged in forceful negotiations that led to the pirates’ surrender due to the sustained pressure,"