Unprecedented Attack In a shocking development, the US Pentagon has confirmed that the drone that struck a tanker ship off the coast of Gujarat was launched from Iran. The attack took place around 10 am local time and caused no casualties aboard the Japanese-owned vessel, the Pentagon said in a statement on Sunday, adding that a fire was extinguished. This incident marks a significant escalation in regional tensions.
“The motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker was struck at approximately 10 a.m. local time (6 a.m. GMT) today in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India, by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran,” a Pentagon spokesperson told news agency Reuters.
Strategic Implications The attack on the commercial vessel has raised alarms about the safety of international shipping lanes. Experts are analyzing the strategic implications of this aggressive move by Iran.
In a late night statement, the Indian Coast Guard said the vessel has started making way towards Mumbai post undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems.
“The Coast Guard Dornier aircraft has sanitised the area and established communication with Chem Pluto. The vessel has started making way towards Mumbai post undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems,” it said.
Global Response Countries around the world have condemned the attack, calling for stability and the protection of global trade routes. The international community is closely monitoring the situation for any further developments.
Ensuring Maritime Security In response to the attack, measures are being taken to enhance maritime security and prevent such incidents in the future. The safety of the crew and the integrity of international waters remain a top priority.
DRONE ATTACK ON MV CHEM PLUTO-Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre,Mumbai received information regarding fire onboard MV Chem Pluto. The Merchant ship with 20 Indian &01 Vietnamese Crew was reportedly attacked by a suspected drone strike on aerial platform.(1/6) pic.twitter.com/CpioW9MfT9
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 23, 2023
