UK to explore options of cyberattacks & special forces to retaliate against the oil tanker attack

London: – The United Kingdom is preparing to teach Iran a lesson, after a British citizen was killed in a drone strike on the merchant ship ‘Mercer Street’. The British newspaper reported that it was considering using special forces to take an action directly against Iran’s drone command centre, launch cyberattacks or any other options. Earlier, the United States, Israel, Britain and Romania had discussed retaliation against Iran. Two days ago, Israeli Prime Minister Bennett also warned of action against Iran that threatens maritime security.

Last week, two crew members were killed in a drone strike, off the Gulf of Oman coast, on the oil tanker ‘Mercer Street’, bound for the Middle East. This included citizens of Britain and Romania. The repercussions were felt internationally. The US and British foreign ministries have expressed outrage over the attack. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned Iran to be prepared for the consequences. but it was not clear as to what action the western countries planned to take against Iran.

Leading British newspapers reported the news, citing sources in the Foreign and defence ministries. Various options are being explored, for action against Iran. A Defence Ministry source said there was a strong possibility of cyberattacks being used. At the same time, use of special forces is also being suggested. British Special Forces personnel have been deployed in the Middle East, for the past few weeks. The newspaper claimed that the task of destroying the drone command centre in Iran, which was responsible for the attack on the fuel tanker, could be given to the Special Forces.

Following the attack on Mercer Street, the British media called for a tough action against Iran. The message is that no one can be safe after targeting a British citizen. The report says that military action is needed for this. According to another British newspaper the Iranian actions in the international maritime area have reached intolerable levels and will no longer be tolerated.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Iran is behind the hijacking of a UAE fuel tanker like Mercer Street attack. Five to six armed assailants tried to hijack the UAE’s oil tanker ‘Asphalt Princess’. The hijackers planned to divert the ship to Iran. However, as per received information the hijackers had to leave the ship, due to engine failure perpetrated by the ship’s crew. It is claimed that the kidnappers were Iranian commandos.