The Indian Navy has foiled a hijacking attempt by Somali pirates by successfully intercepting their vessel in the high seas off the east coast of Somalia.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Indian Navy said the ex-MV Ruen, which was hijacked by Somali pirates on 14 December 2023, was intercepted on 15 March.
The Navy's response came after the pirate-controlled vessel opened fire on the warship during the interception.
The Navy said in its post that the ex-MV Ruen had reportedly set out as a pirate vessel to carry out acts of piracy on the high seas.
"The pirates onboard the vessel have been called upon to surrender & release the vessel & any civilians they may be holding against their will," it added.
The Indian Navy also assured that it remains committed to maritime security and the safety of seafarers in the region.
Notably, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar had said during the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue in November that more than 50 warships of extra-regional forces remain deployed in the Indian Ocean region for various missions, such as anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden.