The Pentagon announced in a statement that the chemical tanker that was struck, on Saturday, off the coast of India, was targeted by a “one-way attack drone launched from Iran.”
She added that the attack occurred around 10 a.m. local time and did not cause any casualties on board the Japanese-owned ship, adding that a fire had been extinguished.
She added that the US military “remains in contact with the ship as it heads toward a destination in India.”
The Pentagon statement said that the ship Kim Pluto was flying the Liberian flag and was managed by a Dutch authority.
She added that the drone attack occurred 200 nautical miles off the coast of India, adding that there were no US Navy ships in the vicinity.
No party immediately claimed responsibility for the strike Amid a wave of drone and missile attacks By Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on a vital shipping lane in the Red Sea. United State Iran was accused on Friday Because of their close involvement in those attacks.
However, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister said on Saturday He denied those American accusationsClaiming that the group was acting on its own.
The Houthis say they are launching the attacks in solidarity with the Palestinians in Yemen The besieged Gaza Strip.
The Indian Navy said it responded to the request for assistance.
A naval official told AFP: “A plane was sent and arrived over the ship and confirmed the safety of the ship in question and its crew.”
“An Indian Navy warship has also been dispatched to provide assistance when needed.”
