The Indian Navy foiled an attempt to use a hijacked vessel for piracy activities on high seas by Somali pirates.

The vessel, ex-MV Ruen, was hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14th, the Indian Navy said on X on Saturday.

As the Indian Navy warship intercepted the vessel on Friday, the pirates onboard opened fire, and the Indian Navy took actions in accordance with international law in self-defence and to counter piracy with minimal force necessary to neutralise the pirates' threat to shipping and seafarers.

The pirates onboard the vessel were called upon to surrender and release the vessel and any civilians they may be holding as captives, the Indian Navy said.

'Indian Navy thwarts designs of Somali pirates to hijack ships plying through the region by intercepting ex-MV Ruen.

The ex-MV Ruen, which had been hijacked by Somali pirates on #14Dec 23, was reported to have sailed out as a pirate ship towards conducting acts of #piracy on high seas.

The vessel was intercepted by the #IndianNavy warship on #15Mar. The vessel opened fire on the warship, which is taking actions iaw international law in self-defence and to counter piracy with minimal force necessary to neutralise the pirates’ threat to shipping and seafarers," the Indian Navy said.

The Indian Navy remains committed to maritime security and the safety of seafarers in the region, the Navy said.