Oman Coast Attack: Has the fourth Indian ship ‘MT Liaki Freedom’ been attacked off the Oman coast? Who is responsible for the attack on Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman? How many Indian sailors have lost their lives in US Navy attacks? How has the Indian government raised this issue with the US?
Indian Crew Ship Attack News: There was a stir after the news of the attack on the oil tanker MT Liaki Freedom with Indian crew near the coast of Oman came to light. However, shortly afterwards, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified the situation and said that there was no attack on the ship and all the crew members were completely safe. According to sources in the Ministry of External Affairs, the captain of MT Liaki Freedom was interviewed, he said that all the people present on the ship are safe and the news of the attack is completely false.
What did MEA say?
External Affairs Ministry sources said that they contacted the captain of the ship and inquired about the situation from him. The captain clearly said that there was no attack of any kind on the ship. According to MEA, ‘We have spoken to the master of MT Liaki Freedom. They have confirmed that all crew members are safe and the news of the attack is false. After this statement, Indian families and people associated with the maritime sector heaved a sigh of relief.
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Why and where did the news of the attack come from?
The news regarding MT Liaki Freedom came at a time when tension is continuously increasing in Oman and the Gulf region. In the last few days, there have been incidents of targeting of many ships carrying Indian sailors. For this reason, the information related to MT Liaki Freedom immediately raised concerns. However, this information later proved to be fake.
Recently many ships with Indian crew became targets
Even though the news of the attack on the fourth ship may have turned out to be a rumour, the situation on the coast of Oman remains extremely serious. In the last one week, three different foreign ships with Indian crew have been targeted by the US military, resulting in the tragic death of 3 Indian sailors. The Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that even though all these ships were foreign-flagged, Indian citizens were deployed on them and the attacks on them were carried out by the US Navy only.
When were Indian ships attacked?
8 June (MT Marivex): This Palau flagged oil tanker was attacked by the US Army. There were 24 Indian sailors aboard. The ship was heavily damaged, but everyone was rescued safely.
10 June (MT Settebello): America attacked this second Palau flagged tanker. 3 Indian sailors lost their lives in this horrific attack.
11 June (MT Jalveer): This Guinea-Bissau flagged ship was attacked by the US Navy, in which 20 Indian sailors were present.
India’s tough stance, US ambassador summoned again
After this diplomatic crisis, the Indian government is adopting a very aggressive stance. India on Friday summoned the US acting Ambassador (US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks) for the second time in a week and lodged a strong protest over these attacks. India has bluntly said that these attacks on Indian citizens at sea should be stopped immediately.
Trump blames Iran
US President Donald Trump has alleged that Iran may be behind drone attacks on Indian ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran has vehemently rejected these allegations and called them “baseless”. Meanwhile, the increasing tension between America and Iran is affecting the maritime security of the entire region.