Israel-Linked Vessel Seized Off Yemen Coast In Third Such Incident Amid Conflict With Hamas

The Liberian-flagged vessel Central Park, linked to Israel, was seized off Yemen's coast, sparking fears of piracy in the Israel-Hamas conflict

Image used for representational purposes only | The vessel was seized in the Gulf of Aden, it remains unclear who orchestrated the attack.

Source : Getty Images

A tanker linked to an Israeli company was seized off the coast of Aden, Yemen, on Sunday, marking the third such incident in the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict. The attackers targeted the Liberian-flagged vessel Central Park, managed by Zodiac Maritime, a company belonging to Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group, news agency Associated Press reported.

At least two other recent maritime incidents have been associated with the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The vessel was seized in the Gulf of Aden, and though Aden is controlled by forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government and a Saudi-led coalition, it remains unclear who orchestrated the attack as no group has claimed responsibility.

Zodiac Maritime referred to the incident as a "suspected piracy incident". “Our priority is the safety of our 22 crew onboard,” Zodiac said in a statement, as per AP.

The multinational crew includes individuals from Russia, Vietnam, Bulgaria, India, Georgia, and the Philippines, the company informed. The vessel is carrying a full cargo of phosphoric acid, it stated.

The ownership details of the seized vessel led to some ambiguity, as Zodiac Maritime described it as being owned by Clumvez Shipping Inc., while other records directly linked Zodiac as the owner. Clumvez Shipping's directors include individuals associated with Zodiac Maritime, AP's report mentioned.

Israel-Linked Tanker Seized: US Official Confirms Attack

According to the report, a U.S. defense official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the attack, stating that "an unknown number of unidentified armed individuals" had seized the ship. The official mentioned that U.S. and coalition forces are closely monitoring the situation, with U.S. naval forces reportedly engaged in the area.

Private intelligence firm Ambrey reported that it seems "U.S. naval forces are engaged in the situation and have asked vessels to stay clear of the area." The circumstances surrounding the attack and the involvement of naval forces add a layer of complexity to the incident, which occurred in a region not known for Somali pirate activities, the report stated.

The seizure of the tanker is part of a series of incidents reflecting the broader tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the impact of the conflict on various fronts.

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