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In recent maritime events, an Israel-affiliated merchant vessel faced a drone attack off India's coast, sparking concerns and questions about the security of international waters. Let's delve into the incident and its implications step by step.
The incident involved a Liberia-flagged chemical/products tanker linked to Israel. British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and maritime security firm Ambrey were quick to report that the vessel suffered damage from an unmanned aerial vehicle off India's Verval.
The report mentioned that the vessel, destined for India, experienced structural damage, and some water entered the ship. What adds complexity to the situation is the lack of immediate clarity on who was behind the attack, raising concerns about the safety of maritime trade.
This isn't the first time an Israel-affiliated vessel has been targeted. In the recent past, an Israeli-owned cargo ship faced a suspected drone attack in the Indian Ocean. The attack was attributed to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, revealing a pattern of targeted aggression against ships associated with Israel.
The escalation of drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea, particularly by Iran-backed Houthis, is a cause for international concern. The attacks, which have increased following the Israel-Hamas war, have forced shippers to alter routes, affecting global maritime traffic.
One of the intriguing aspects of these incidents is the absence of a clear claim of responsibility. The uncertainty surrounding the culprits adds to the perplexity of the situation, leaving maritime authorities and nations on high alert.
The Houthis, expressing solidarity with Hamas, have openly declared their intent to target commercial shipping associated with Israel. This allegiance has prompted vessels to take longer routes, circumventing the southern tip of Africa, to avoid the risk posed by the heightened conflict in the region.
The White House has pointed fingers at Iran, stating its deep involvement in orchestrating operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The Pentagon reported over 100 drone and missile attacks, targeting 10 merchant vessels involving more than 35 different countries, allegedly orchestrated by Iran-backed groups.
Adding another layer to the complexity, an Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander warned of potential closures in the Mediterranean Sea. Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi stated that continued "crimes" in Gaza by the United States and its allies could lead to the closure of the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar, and other crucial waterways.
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