US accuses Iran for drone attack on chemical tanker in Indian Coast

New Delhi, Dec 24: A chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean fell victim to a drone attack allegedly launched from Iran on Saturday. The targeted vessel, Chem Pluto, was en route from Saudi Arabia to India and had connections to Israel, according to maritime security firm Ambrey. The incident occurred 200 nautical miles off the coast of India, near Gujarat state's Veraval city.

The Indian Navy swiftly responded, dispatching aircraft and warships to help. The fire on the Chem Pluto was extinguished, and there were no reported casualties. This marks the first time the US has publicly accused Iran of directly targeting a ship with a drone.

Houthi rebels in Yemen, supported by Iran, have recently employed drones and rockets to attack vessels in the Red Sea. However, this incident represents a significant escalation, occurring much farther from the usual conflict zone.

The US Central Command reported separate incidents involving Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea. The USS Laboon warship intercepted four Houthi drones, while another tanker reported being hit in the southern Red Sea, prompting several major shipping companies to suspend operations in the region.

Media reported that the Pentagon revealed that the Chem Pluto was hit by a "one-way attack drone fired from Iran," causing structural damage and allowing water to enter the vessel. Despite accusations of Iran's involvement in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Tehran denies any such engagement.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has further heightened tensions, with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards warning of potential closures of other waterways if "crimes" in Gaza persist. The incident underscores the growing risk to shipping lanes, prompting concerns about potential disruptions to global supply chains.

As a result of increased threats, major shipping companies are diverting journeys away from the Red Sea, opting for longer routes around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. This redirection is anticipated to impact supply chains, particularly consumer goods, with delays expected and shipping costs on the rise.