The HCS Navy has scored a major success against pirates on Cloneworld after attacking a pirate stronghold on the Melina islands deep in the Eastern Ocean. A task force consisting of the current flagship CNS Ailier, 2 Olana destroyers, 3 Triona OPVs and 3 Mariner general support ships approached the islands a few days ago and were attacked by a variety of small craft. One Triona was hit by a missile but the missile warhead did not explode (perhaps due to poor maintenance). Three crewmen were killed. Two other sailors were killed by gunfire on CNS Ailier. In return 6 pirate boats were destroyed.
Supported by SH-26 helicopters flown off the Mariners around 400 Marines were landed on the islands and stormed the pirate base. 124 pirates in total were reported to have been killed and over 300 captured. 27 Marines were killed. No pirates are reported to have been able to escape the islands. Two small boats were chased by helicopters as they tried to flee and one was destroyed, the other surrendered.
A HCS Navy spokesclone said the pirate group has been responsible for several dozen hijackings and attacks on commercial shipping. All pirate groups would one day receive similar treatment he added.
