In a daring rescue operation, the Indian Navy successfully saved 21 crew members, among them one Indian national, from the Barbados-flagged Liberian-owned bulk carrier True Confidence. The vessel was reportedly struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday. The operation was conducted by the Indian Navy warship, INS Kolkata, deployed for Maritime Security Operations, utilizing integral helicopters and boats.

The incident occurred amidst heightened tensions in the region, with the US military confirming casualties after a missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels hit a bulk carrier in the same area. The attack resulted in three fatalities and at least four injuries. The crew faced critical injuries, prompting them to abandon the ship.

Indian Navy, through its official communication platform, X, formerly Twitter, provided updates on the rescue mission. They stated, "INS Kolkata deployed for Maritime Security Operations, arrived on location... and rescued 21 crew, incl one Indian national... Critical medical aid provided to injured crew." The rescued crew members were subsequently evacuated to Djibouti for medical attention.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been targeting merchant vessels in the Red Sea trade route for months. However, Wednesday's attack marks the first fatalities resulting from such an incident. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that an anti-ship ballistic missile struck the True Confidence, causing significant damage to the ship and resulting in casualties among the crew.

The attack comes amid a series of aggressive actions by the Houthis, with the Philippine government confirming casualties among its nationals. Two Filipino crew members were killed, and two others sustained severe injuries in the assault.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the True Confidence was targeted with multiple missiles after the crew disregarded warning messages from the rebels.

The Indian Navy's swift and decisive action in rescuing the crew members underscores the importance of maritime security operations in safeguarding vessels navigating through volatile regions.

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