In a recent incident in the Arabian Sea, a merchant ship faced a drone strike, resulting in an explosion and subsequent fire. The vessel, identified as MV Chem Pluto, was en route from a Saudi Arabian port to Mangaluru, carrying crude oil. While the crew of 20 Indians remains unharmed, the attack raises questions about responsibility and adds to the complexities of maritime security in the region.
Immediate Response and Escalating Tensions
The Indian Coast Guard swiftly responded to the distress call, mobilizing its assets, including the Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft and the ICGS Vikram, to assess the situation and provide assistance. As of now, there are no reported casualties among the crew members, and efforts are underway to evaluate the extent of the damage to the vessel.
The lack of an immediate claim of responsibility adds a layer of mystery to the incident. Last month, a similar drone attack targeted an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the Indian Ocean, allegedly carried out by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The absence of a clear attribution in the recent Arabian Sea attack leaves room for speculation on potential perpetrators and their motives.
Drone Attacks in the Red Sea and Rising Tensions
The Arabian Sea incident occurs against the backdrop of escalating drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea, particularly by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Following the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Houthis have expressed solidarity with Hamas, leading to increased targeting of commercial shipping linked to Israel. This situation has forced shippers to alter their routes, taking longer paths around the southern tip of Africa to avoid the volatile region.
The White House has pointed to Iran’s deep involvement in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The Pentagon reports more than 100 drone and missile attacks by the Houthis, targeting merchant vessels from over 35 different countries. The strategic importance of the Red Sea and the implications of these attacks for global maritime trade underscore the gravity of the situation.
Iran’s Warning in the Mediterranean
Adding to the geopolitical tensions, an Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, issued a warning regarding the Mediterranean Sea. He stated that if the United States and its allies continued what he termed as “crimes” in Gaza, Iran might consider closing the Mediterranean Sea and other key waterways. This provocative statement raises concerns about potential disruptions to vital maritime routes.