Initial probe points to Iranian role in tanker attack

New Delhi, December 27:  An ongoing investigation into the recent missile strike on the Merchant Vessel (MV) Chem Pluto, sailing in the Arabian Sea en route to New Mangalore Port, indicates a potential link to Iran, as per sources familiar with the matter. The debris recovered from the vessel is currently under examination at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Pune, with a comprehensive report expected within a week, according to undisclosed individuals close to the investigation.

The missile in question is believed to be the Iranian Shahed 136 loitering ammunition, based on initial findings. This ammunition, with a range of 2,500km and a 50kg warhead, is an evolved version of the Russian Geran-2 expendable drone, featuring delta wings. The Indian Navy, in its response to the incident, has retrieved what appears to be burnt-out wings of the loitering ammunition. Initial suspicions pointed towards two Iranian vessels, MV Saviz and MV Artenos, but subsequent inspections by the Indian Navy found no evidence of their involvement after boarding the vessels.

MV Chem Pluto, a chemical tanker flying the Liberian flag, was struck 217 nautical miles off India's Gujarat coast while on its journey from Saudi Arabia's Al Jubail port to New Mangalore. Escorted to Mumbai by the coast guard patrol vessel Vikram, an initial assessment confirmed a drone attack. Despite Iran dismissing US allegations of involvement, experts examining the debris lean towards implicating Iran, ruling out the Houthi militia in South Yemen or other Iran-backed groups such as the Kaitab Hezbollah in Iraq, as stated by one of the sources.

The situation in the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea has become increasingly volatile due to drone and ballistic missile attacks on commercial vessels. This has prompted major shipping companies to explore alternative routes, with some considering the northern sea route off the coast of Russia for trade to Japan and China. The alternative route via the Cape of Good Hope is longer and costlier, impacting the transportation cost of goods.

Amidst these challenges, the Indian Navy is actively securing shipping lanes, deploying guided missile destroyers near critical chokepoints. INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Chennai, and INS Mormugao are strategically positioned to protect commercial ships from potential missile and drone attacks in the turbulent West Asian waters.

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