December 18, 2024 18:08 (IST)
Follow us:
Navy evacuates 349 Indians from strife-torn Yemen
New Delhi, Apr 1 (IBNS) In a well coordinated operation involving multiple agencies, INS Sumitra, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, which has been deployed for anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden since 11 Mar was the first to undertake evacuation from Yemen, said the government on Wednesday.
Consequent upon the Government of India issuing an advisory for Indian nationals to leave Yemen, the Indian Navy has deployed three ships in support of the evacuation operation.
INS Sumitra was re-deployed off the Port of Aden on 30 Mar 15 and, thereafter, entered Aden Harbour in the evening of 31 Mar. The ship evacuated 349 Indians from Aden and is currently on passage to Djibouti. On disembarkation of these personnel at Djibouti, the ship is scheduled to return to Aden to undertake further evacuation, if required.
IN Ships Mumbai and Tarkash also sailed from Mumbai on 30 Mar. The ships will escort two passenger vessels, Kavaratti and Corals, through the piracy risk area off the Coast of Somalia. These passenger vessels had sailed from Kochi on 30 Mar 15, to Djibouti. The two warships will, thereafter, be available for evacuation of Indian nationals from Yemeni ports, as required.
Coincidentally, the Indian Navy had undertaken a large scale HADR Exercise very recently in Feb 2015. The alacrity and flexibility of the current operation once again underscores the Navy’s capability in terms of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
Senior United Nations officials on Tuesday expressed their deep concern about the fast deteriorating situation in Yemen, where dozens of civilians have been killed in fighting in recent days.
“The situation in Yemen is extremely alarming, with dozens of civilians killed over the past four days,” said Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, echoing a statement issued by UN Secretary-General's Spokesperson.
“The country seems to be on the verge of total collapse,” the High Commissioner said, calling on all sides to protect civilians from harm, and to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than through the use of military force.
At least 93 civilians were reported to have been killed since 27 March and a further 364 injured in Sana'a, Sa'da, Dhale, Hudayda and Lahj, among whom were “dozens” killed in an airstrike on the Al-Mazraq camp for internally displaced persons that was established by the UN in 2009.
At least another 35 were injured in the raid, including 11 children.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
13 killed as Navy speedboat collides with ferry near Mumbai
Wed, Dec 18 2024
My quitting won't help Congress: Amit Shah on resignation demands amid Ambedkar row
Wed, Dec 18 2024
Indian PM Narendra Modi to visit Kuwait this weekend
Wed, Dec 18 2024
Modi should remove Amit Shah by midnight if he has little bit of respect for Ambedkar: Kharge
Wed, Dec 18 2024