In a significant escalation, a chemical tanker, the Chem Pluto, was targeted by a drone believed to be launched from Iran in the Indian Ocean. The US military has reported that the attack occurred 200 nautical miles from the coast of India, causing structural damage to the Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated vessel.

The incident marks the first time the US has publicly accused Iran of directly targeting a ship. The Chem Pluto was on a voyage from Saudi Arabia to India and was reportedly linked to Israel, according to maritime security firm Ambrey.

Fortunately, the fire ignited on the tanker was extinguished, and there were no casualties reported. The drone attack, however, underscores the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles by regional actors in conflicts.

While Iran has not commented on the incident, Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, have recently employed drones and rockets to target vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthis, who support Hamas in its conflict with Israel, have claimed responsibility for attacks on Israel-linked vessels.

In a separate development, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea. The USS Laboon warship patrolling the area successfully intercepted four unmanned aerial drones inbound to the vessel.

Amid heightened tensions, global shipping groups have suspended operations in the Red Sea due to the increased risk of attacks. The Indian navy has dispatched aircraft and warships to assist in the aftermath of the drone attack on the Chem Pluto.

The situation remains fluid as international stakeholders assess the implications of these developments, and concerns rise over the potential impact on maritime security in the region.