27/11/2023
A US Navy warship successfully apprehended armed individuals who had seized a tanker linked to Israel off the Yemeni coast on Sunday, according to US defense officials.
The assailants made an attempt to escape on a boat but were pursued by the US warship. Subsequently, two missiles were launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen towards the warship, as reported by US Central Command.
The Houthis had previously declared their intention to target Israel due to its actions against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The attacked tanker, identified as the Central Park, is managed by Zodiac Maritime Ltd, an international ship management company owned by Israel's Ofer family.
Zodiac Maritime stated that the crew of 22 includes individuals from Russia, Vietnam, Bulgaria, India, Georgia, the Philippines, and a Turkish captain. The rebels had reportedly threatened to attack the tanker, carrying phosphoric acid, unless it diverted to a Yemeni port.
The US military, along with allied ships, demanded the release of the commercial ship. Five armed individuals attempted to escape on a fast boat but surrendered after being chased by the USS Mason.
Two missiles were fired toward the warship from Houthi-controlled territory but landed at a safe distance. These incidents are part of a series of attacks carried out by the Houthis, including missile and drone strikes towards Israel following its military operation. The US had previously intercepted all missiles and drones in the Red Sea.
Last week, Houthi rebels claimed to have seized an Israeli cargo ship, which Israel denied, stating that the ship was not Israeli, and no Israelis were among its crew.