The Indian Navy has successfully intercepted a cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates in international waters, calling for the surrender of the perpetrators. Reuters reported this development on Saturday (March 16), citing a spokesperson for the Indian Navy.

According to the spokesperson, the Ruen cargo ship, flying the Maltese flag, was hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14. In response, the Indian Navy intercepted the hijacked ship on Friday after it opened fire on an Indian Navy vessel. The navy has urged for the release of civilians aboard the hijacked vessel.

The Indian Navy further revealed that more than 17 ships have fallen victim to Somali pirate attacks since December last year. They affirmed that appropriate action will be taken against the pirates in accordance with international law.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised by the European Union regarding the potential use of the hijacked Maltese ship, Ruen, in the recent hijacking of the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah. British maritime security firm Ambre suggested that the MV Abdullah, located just 296 kilometers away from Ruen, may have been targeted by pirates using the hijacked vessel as a mother vessel for robbery. Currently, 16 sailors from the MV Abdullah remain hostages, except for one.

The interception of the hijacked cargo ship marks a significant victory for the Indian Navy in combating piracy and ensuring maritime security in international waters.