Pentagon Confirms Iranian Drone Attack on Chemical Tanker in the Indian Ocean
Iranian attack drone strikes a chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean, marking the seventh assault on commercial shipping since 2021, as confirmed by a US Department of Defense official
An Iranian attack drone struck a chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, marking the seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021, according to a US Department of Defense official. The motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, which is Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated, was hit at approximately 10 a.m. local time (6 a.m. Greenwich Mean time) today, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India. The attack was carried out by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran, the official stated in a release.
The one-way attack drone is meant to strike its target without returning to its point of origin. According to a defense official, there were no casualties and the fire on the tanker has been put out.
A statement clarified that no U.S. Navy vessels were nearby and that the Naval Forces Central Command is in contact with the affected vessel. The Indian coast guard shared on social media that there are 21 crew members on board and the vessel is on its way to Mumbai."
Houthi Military Media
According to US intelligence, Iran is suspected of planning attacks in the Red Sea. This development follows a series of over 100 attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on commercial and merchant ships in the Red Sea over the last month. (As reported by CNN)
US Central Command disclosed additional incidents in a social media statement on Saturday. On the same day, a one-way attack drone struck a crude oil tanker with no reported injuries, as confirmed by Central Command. In a separate location, a chemical tanker in the southern Red Sea had a "near miss" encounter with a one-way drone on Saturday, as reported by the command. Moreover, the statement indicated that two "anti-ship ballistic missiles" were launched into the southern Red Sea from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, failing to hit any vessels. Additionally, the USS Laboon, a Navy destroyer, successfully intercepted four aerial drones that were approaching its direction.
Saturday's attack in the Indian Ocean, carried out by a drone allegedly from Iran, signifies a potential increase in tensions, despite previous attacks from Yemen. The US has recently declassified intelligence indicating Iran's significant involvement in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, as confirmed by National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson in an interview with CNN.
Newly released intelligence indicates that Iranian support during the Gaza crisis has allowed the Houthis to carry out attacks against Israel and maritime targets, with Iran often allowing the Houthis to make operational decisions. In response, the US has launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, a maritime coalition involving over 20 nations to enhance security in the southern Red Sea.
