ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 10th August. Click Here for more information.
Source- This post is based on the article “Navy thwarts hijacking attempt in Arabian Sea” published in “The Hindu” on 5th January 2024.
Why in the News?
Indian Navy Marine Commandos (MARCOS) successfully thwarted a hijacking attempt in the North Arabian Sea, ensuring the safe evacuation of all 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from the merchant vessel Lila Norfolk.
What Occurred at the Merchant Vessel Lila Norfolk?
1) The bulk carrier Lila Norfolk reported boarding by five to six unknown armed persons off the coast of Eyl, Somalia, on the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations portal.
2) In response, the Indian Navy diverted the destroyer INS Chennai which was on anti-piracy patrol, and an Maritime Patrol Aircraft confirmed the crew’s safety during a morning overflight.
3) Indian Navy Marine Commandos onboard the deployed warship boarded the vessel and initiated the sanitization process.
Who are MARCOS?
1) The Marine Commandos, known as MARCOS and formally referred to as the Marine Commando Force (MCF), serve as the Indian Navy’s special forces unit, tasked with executing specialized operations.
2) Established in 1987, MARCOS exhibits versatility by proficiently operating across various environments, including sea, air, and land.
3) In the late 1980s, MARCOS carried out ‘Operation Pawan‘ in the Sri Lankan Civil War, playing a crucial role in restoring peace by capturing key LTTE-held territories.
Where is Somalia and What are its Features?
UPSC Syllabus- Geography and Places in News
