The attack occurred at 10 a.m. local time (7 a.m. Dutch time), 200 kilometers from the Indian coastal city of Veraval. This incident comes as a wave of attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels in Yemen using drones and missiles threatens to disrupt global trade flows.

The Houthis, who control the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, are “part of the axis of resistance” against Israel, which includes other Iranian-backed groups such as the Palestinian Hamas movement and the Lebanese Hezbollah. The risks to commercial shipping now extend far beyond the Red Sea.

Dutch company

The tanker MV Chem Pluto, which was transporting chemical products, was flying the Liberian flag and was operated by a Dutch company. the Wall Street Journal It was reported that the Dutch company is linked to the Israeli shipping magnate Idan Ofer. The ship was on its way from Saudi Arabia to India. The Pentagon said the US military remains “in contact with the ship as it continues its journey to a destination in India.” A fire broke out on board the ship, and no injuries were reported.

There were no US warships near the chemical tanker at the time of the attack and the attack has not yet been announced. India said it responded to the request for assistance. An Indian Navy official said: “An aircraft was sent to the site of the attack and ensured the safety of the ship and its crew.”