The Marine Commando Force (MCF) known as MARCOS is a special forces unit that was raised by the Indian Navy in 1987. Modeled after the US Navy SEALs and the Royal Marines it was created to handle reconnaissance, raids and counter-terrorism in a maritime environment. The MARCOS played a key role in defeating a coup attempt by PLOTE mercenaries as part of Operation Cactus in Maldives by retaking the ship and rescuing the hostages among whom was the Maldives Minister for education. At present the MARCOS is deployed in Jammu and Kashmir to prevent infiltration through the Jhelum and Wular Lake and also provides protection to people and tourists in and around Dal Lake, a popular tourist spot.
