“Oil Tanker En Route to India Targeted by Attack Drone in Red Sea”.

“A crude oil tanker destined for India faced an attack from a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, as reported by the US military today. The vessel, M/V Saibaba, flying the flag of Gabon and carrying Indian crew members, fortunately, recorded no injuries but urgently sought assistance by issuing a distress call to a nearby US ship, according to the US Central Command, conveyed through X, formerly Twitter.

The attack transpired at approximately 10:30 pm (IST) on the preceding day, shortly after another tanker encountered aggression off the Indian coast, a situation attributed to Iran by the US.

Two ships communicated to a US naval vessel patrolling in the Southern Red Sea, reporting they were under attack. One of them, M/V Blaamanen, a chemical tanker flying the flag of Norway, reported a Houthi drone’s near miss, as confirmed by the US military.”

“In a subsequent incident, the M/V SAIBABA, another vessel in the region, confirmed it was struck by a one-way attack drone, with no injuries reported, according to the US military. Responding promptly to distress calls, the USS Laboon intervened in the aftermath of these attacks.

Prior to these recent events, the US destroyer had already successfully intercepted and shot down four drones originating from areas under Houthi control in Yemen.”

“Houthi Rebels, Allegedly Backed by Iran, Continue Attacks on Commercial Shipping”.

The Houthi rebels, reportedly supported by Iran, have been implicated in the recent attack on MV Chem Pluto off the Indian coast. This marks the 14th and 15th instances of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping since October 17, according to the US military. The Pentagon has attributed the drone attack on the Japanese-owned MV Chem Pluto to Iran.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ali Bagheri, countered the accusation, stating that the Houthi rebels act based on their ‘own decisions and capabilities.’ The Houthi rebels have consistently targeted ships in the Red Sea, claiming to focus on vessels linked to Israel in solidarity with Gaza.

The rise in shipping attacks in the Red Sea has coincided with the Israel-Hamas war that began in October. In response, major shipping firms have rerouted their cargo vessels around the southern tip of Africa, despite the increased fuel costs associated with longer voyages.”