The Pentagon confirmed that the unmanned aerial vehicle that struck a vessel off the coast of India on a Saturday near December 23 was launched from Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported this development. The attack targets a Liberian-flagged chemical tanker named Chem Pluto, which was hit by a drone launched from Iranian territory at approximately 10:00 local time, roughly 370 kilometers from the Indian coastline, according to the same outlet.
Reports indicate there had been a prior UAV incident affecting a merchant vessel in the Indian Ocean region. The sequence of events points to a coordinated attempt to damage maritime traffic in a critical route through the area, with navigation and safety agencies closely monitoring the situation. The Wall Street Journal’s account underscores the gravity of the incident and the potential implications for regional security and international shipping.
As per ANI, the Chem Pluto crude oil tanker carried a crew that included 20 Indian nationals. Indian authorities acted swiftly, dispatching a Coast Guard vessel and multiple ships from the Indian Navy to the distressed ship. All nearby vessels were alerted and urged to assist as needed. The authorities reported that the fire on the Chem Pluto was extinguished, yet the incident significantly affected the vessel’s ongoing operations and its ability to proceed on its voyage.
Analytical briefing from Ambrey indicates the tanker carried Liberian registration while showing connections to Israeli interests through ownership or operational links. India Today noted that the ship was en route from Saudi Arabia toward India, highlighting the vulnerability of routes used for critical energy supply chains and the potential for geopolitical flashpoints in this corridor.
Earlier, the United States raised the accusation that Iran is preparing for Houthis attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea, signaling heightened tensions in the broader maritime domain and the possibility of spillover effects into other chokepoints and trade routes. This evolving situation has prompted discussions among international observers about maritime security, potential sanctions responses, and the alignment of regional powers in response to continued threats to commercial navigation.