Iranian drone attacked chemical tanker from Saudi to Mangalore, says US

DUBAI: America has confirmed that the drone was launched from Iran towards the Israeli tanker which was coming to Mangalore with crude oil from Saudi Arabia. However, no one claimed responsibility for the attack. Anti-Israeli groups are suspected of being behind the Gaza war. The attack took place in the Arabian Sea. There was an explosion and a fire on the ship, but a major disaster was avoided. The fire has been doused. All crew including twenty Indians are safe. The incident happened just 400 km (217 nautical miles) off the Porbandar coast in Gujarat.

Following a message from the British Maritime Trade Organization, the Indian Coast Guard's Vikram patrol ship and the Navy's Dornier patrol aircraft were deployed near the Israeli vessel. A surveillance aircraft flew over the ship to ensure the safety of the ship and crew. Messages were also sent to all nearby ships. Indian warships in the Arabian Sea also moved there.

After the attack, the Israeli ship had turned off its automatic identification system. This is a precaution to prevent the enemy from tracking the ship. There was no damage to the ship's engine or electrical system. The coast guard informed that communication with the ship was possible. It is reported that the ship will be repaired after reaching the Mumbai coast.

Anti-Israel groups?

• Attacks on Israeli ships following Gaza war
• Iran's drone attack on an Israeli cargo ship in the Indian Ocean last month
• Drone and missile attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on shipping lanes in the Red Sea. More than 100 attacks on 10 ships of 35 countries