The Indian Navy has continued with evacuation of Indian nationals from Yemen, despite mounting difficulties and challenges.
On April 4, 2015, the Indian Naval Ship Mumbai, reached outside the port of Aden. Even as the battle between warring fractions intensified in Aden city, the evacuation of Indian nationals from Aden was executed on priority in near war-like conditions.
Evacuation of over 400 persons was undertaken using small crafts plying between the ship and the Aden harbour. The ship maintained at a distance from the harbour as local authorities did not accord necessary approvals for INS Mumbai to enter Aden port due to the worsening situation there. These crafts were hired by authorities ashore for this purpose. The operation was conducted till just past sunset and on completion of embarkation of evacuees, the ship proceeded to Djibouti to disembark them for onward passage to India.
This is the third evacuation by Indian Naval Ships since operations Rahat began on 30 March 2015.
INS Sumitra has evacuated personnel from the ports of Aden and Al Hodeidah till date.
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Image: Indian Navy