Indian Ocean
On Saturday, a drone strike on a merchant ship in the Indian Ocean resulted in an explosion and fire, but no casualties were reported, according to a maritime agency. According to AFP, a different maritime agency has also confirmed that the tanker flying the flag of Liberia was connected to Israel.
The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and maritime security company Ambrey said that the “Liberia-flagged chemical/products tanker… was Israel-affiliated” and that the unclaimed attack off the coast of India started a fire on board. Authorities are looking into the attack, which the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said was carried out by an unmanned aerial system.
The incident occurred a few days after on Monday, the Indian Navy assisted in the rescue of an injured sailor from a cargo ship flying the flag of Malta. Six “pirates” were alleged to have entered the MV Ruen illegally in the Arabian Sea.
Who is responsible for the attack?
The strike was not immediately attributed to anyone. According to a US official, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is suspected of using drones to attack an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the Indian Ocean last month. The unmanned aerial vehicle reportedly burst near the Israeli-affiliated company-managed vessel, causing damage.
What about the drone attacks in Red Sea?
Following the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have also increased their drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea. The Houthis have declared their support for Hamas, which is why they intend to keep attacking Israeli-related commercial shipping. According to Reuters, this has compelled shippers to alter their plans and take more circuitous routes around the southernmost point of Africa.
Indian Navy warships in the vicinity are also moving towards the merchant ship MV Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea outside Indian EEZ: Indian Navy Officials pic.twitter.com/KgRYAvRdQ3
— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2023
The Houthis have launched over 100 drone and missile attacks, targeting 10 merchant vessels involving over 35 different countries, according to the Pentagon. The White House said that Iran was “deeply involved” in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
This is a developing story.
