A tanker full of phosphoric acid – and with clear links to Israel – was seized near the coast of Yemen on Sunday, authorities said.
No group appears to have claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
London-based Zodiac Maritime, which is listed as the owner of the vessel, Central Park, confirmed the seizure.
“Our priority is the safety of our 22 crew members,” Zodiac said in a statement.
“The Turkish captain’s ship has a multinational crew consisting of Russian, Vietnamese, Bulgarian, Indian, Georgian and Filipino crew members. The ship was carrying a full load of phosphoric acid.”
Although based in the United Kingdom, Zodiac Maritime operates under Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group.
AP
A Pentagon representative told The Post, “We are aware of reports of attacks on Israeli vessels and have no additional details to provide at this time.”
The Pentagon added in a statement, “There are indications that an unknown number of armed individuals hijacked the M/V Central Park in the Gulf of Aden, November 26. US and coalition forces are in the surrounding area, and we are closely monitoring the situation.”
Israel’s Zodiac Maritime tanker Central Park was seized in Yemen on Sunday.AP
Zodiac attributed the seizure to a “suspected piracy incident.”
Private intelligence firm Ambrey confirmed the seizure, which is believed to have taken place in the Gulf of Aden.
Aden is largely under the control of the internationally recognized government of Yemen and its allies.
Yemen has been wracked by a civil war with Houthi rebels, who have been responsible for occasional attacks on ships in the region in recent years.
A photo of a handout issued by US Central Command shows the strike group.US Central Command (CENTCOM)/AFP
The area where Central Park was seized is believed to be far from Houthi stronghold territory, and Somali pirates generally do not operate there.
Zodiac Maritime did not immediately respond to the Post’s request for comment.
Since the October 7 surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, there has been an increase in attacks on the US and other forces in the region.
The seizure of Central Park follows a suspected Iranian drone attack on the container ship CMA CGM Symi, owned by another Israeli billionaire.
Iran did not claim credit for the attack.
With Postal wire
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
