Evacuation Operations from YEMEN - ‘OPERATION RAAHAT’
In yet another difficult and challenging operation, Indian Naval Ship Tarkash evacuated 464 personnel of different nationalities from the war torn city of Aden, Yemen on 10 April 2015. Body of Late Shri Manjeet Singh, who succumbed to injuries sustained during bombing in Aden city was embarked onboard INS Tarkash for passage to Djibouti. He was a resident of Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. 46 Indians nationals and 422 persons hailing from 14 countries were evacuated in this trip from the port city of Aden and disembarked at Djibouti on 11 April 15. The personnel evacuated were observed to be in a state of shock and were greatly relieved to be onboard an Indian Naval Ship safely.
Amongst the evacuees there were four pregnant women, one patient each suffering from cancer and renal failure and two malnourished children were provided succor and medical aid by INS Tarkash. It was learnt from the evacuees that the city Aden continues to remain under siege by the Houthis and the situation there was grim with continuous shelling and firing taking place. Despite the difficult conditions, embarkation continued to be undertaken by INS Tarkash. Gun/ shots, shelling and firing in port area and on the jetty were reported by crew of INS Tarkash.
Earlier on 09 Apr 15, INS Sumitra had safely evacuated 349 personnel including some foreign nationals from the Port Al Hodeidah. Sumitra was received in Djibouti harbour by Indian Ambassador to Ethopia and Bangladeshi Ambassador to Kuwait. All evacuees were safely disembarked at Djibouti for further passage to India by Indian Air Force Aircraft and civil flights on 10 April 15.
Till now Indian Naval Ships Mumbai, Tarkash and Sumitra deployed in Gulf of Aden have evacuated 2671 persons including 964 foreign nationals from 30 countries. Evacuation operations as part of Op Rahat continues to be progressed by the Indian Navy Ship deployed off the coast of Yemen.
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DKS/CKP