A big mystery deepened after the American precise attack on the tanker ‘Setebello’ in the Gulf of Oman. 3 Indian sailors confirmed dead, 21 rescued. Allegations of taking oil from Iran, strong opposition from MEA. American action and maritime tension raise serious questions – is this a big geopolitical conflict?
Oman Gulf Ship Attack: A very painful and disturbing news has emerged from the smoldering sea of the Middle East. The death of three Indian sailors who went missing after the missile attack by the US Army on the commercial oil tanker ‘Settebello’ in the Gulf of Oman has been officially confirmed. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal informed about this tragic incident on Thursday. With the arrival of this news, not only has there been an uproar among the families of the missing sailors, but a major diplomatic standoff between India and America has also reached its peak.
The silence of the night and the precise attack of the American fighter jet
This whole horrifying story started on the night of 9th June. According to an official statement issued by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the Palau-flagged commercial tanker ‘M/T Setebelo’ was tracked by US radar passing through the Gulf of Oman at exactly 11:14 pm.
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The US claims that the tanker was repeatedly warned to stop and follow instructions as part of the ongoing strict maritime blockade against Iran. When the ship allegedly ignored these instructions, American fighter aircraft took off and fired highly lethal precision munitions into the tanker’s engine room. As soon as the missile hit, the engine room of the ship turned into a ball of fire and there was screams all around.
24 Indian crew members… that scene of death in the middle of the sea
When America targeted this commercial tanker, there were a total of 24 Indian crew members on board. After the missile blast, there was chaos on the ship and it became disabled in the middle of the sea. A major search and rescue operation was launched immediately after the incident. Through this rescue operation, 21 Indian crew members were taken out safely, but three sailors went missing somewhere between the fire and water. After two days of suspense and hopeful search, the Union Minister finally confirmed his death on Thursday, which has sent a wave of mourning across the country.
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“Violation of instructions or cruelty?” Bitter reality of America-Iran war
America has cited its ongoing direct military conflict with Iran as the reason behind this entire attack. US military officials say that this oil tanker was carrying oil from Iran in open violation of US sanctions and blockade. US Central Command’s reasoning: “We took this action only to enforce international regulations and our blockade because the ship was proceeding despite our warnings.” However, this argument has only rubbed salt into India’s wounds, as such a deadly attack on a commercial ship raises serious questions under international maritime laws.
New Delhi’s strict action: US ambassador summoned
The Indian government is outraged after seeing the death of three innocent Indian sailors and the threat to the safety of its citizens. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly condemned this US military action. Taking a tough stance at the diplomatic level, Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary (America) in the Ministry of External Affairs, immediately summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks in New Delhi. India has handed over a strong formal protest letter (Demarche) to the US Deputy Chief of Mission. The Foreign Ministry has clearly said that such deadly attacks on commercial ships are not acceptable at any cost and America will have to respect the safety of the citizens of its allies at all costs. This incident has created a new and deep suspense regarding the safety of Indian sailors doing business in the Gulf region.