The remarkable action by India’s MARCOS commandos against Somali maritime pirates has sparked discussions worldwide. American experts suggest that this successful operation demonstrates that the Indian Navy’s MARCOS commandos are among the best special forces globally, praising India’s growing capabilities.
India’s MARCOS Stuns World with Bold Action Against Somali Pirates, Earns Praise from US
Washington: India’s Special Commando unit MARCOS, operating hundreds of kilometers away from Indian shores, has astounded the world with a powerful action against Somali maritime pirates. While China is closely observing the Indian Navy’s move, the United States has applauded it extensively. American media is also actively discussing the Indian Navy’s operation. An American military specialist even remarked that seizing control of pirate ships at sea demonstrates that MARCOS commandos are among the top special forces globally. Prior to this, MARCOS commandos conducted a spectacular operation by parachuting and capturing a large number of Somali maritime pirates.
During the nearly 2-day operation, Indian commandos freed 17 crew members from the hijacked vessel. No casualties were reported among Indian sailors during this operation. A destroyer, a patrol boat, and an Indian Air Force C-17 transport plane were part of this campaign. The aircraft transported MARCOS commandos nearly 2500 km from India, surprising the world. Additionally, a naval drone and a P-8 surveillance aircraft were deployed during the entire operation.
American Council on Foreign Relations’ John Bradford told CNN that this success demonstrates that the Indian Navy is world-class in training, command, and control. He said, “What makes this operation attractive is how it was conducted with the assistance of warships, aircraft, and marine commandos, minimizing the risk.” Experts fear that the Red Sea’s volatile situation due to attacks by Houthis has created chaotic conditions, providing an opportunity for Somali maritime pirates to strike near Africa.
Indian Navy Forces Somali Pirates to Surrender, Draws Praise from Pakistan Amid Yemen-Somalia Turmoil
Upon observing the Indian Navy, the pirates abandoned their weapons, and even Pakistanis are appreciating the move. Yemen and Somalia are both among the world’s poorest countries and have been grappling with civil wars for years. India, along with Spain and Japan, has been conducting continuous patrols in this region to deal with pirates. India has deployed INS Kolkata destroyer, armed with lethal weapons, to ensure security.
The Indian Navy initially sent a drone to determine the presence of pirates on the vessel. The maritime pirates destroyed this drone by firing at it.
Following this, the Indian warship responded resolutely. The Indian Navy rescued Bulgarian sailors stationed on this ship. The Bulgarian government thanked India. Another analyst, former US Navy Captain Karl Shuster, said that this incident demonstrated the professionalism of the Indian Navy. He said, “The Indian Navy is a very trend and disciplined professional force in itself. MARCOS also receives 8 months of training similar to Britain’s SAS commandos, and the selection process is very rigorous, with only 10 to 15 percent of the chosen soldiers completing the training.