A tanker associated with an Israel-affiliated company was seized off the coast of Yemen on Sunday by armed individuals, according to US defense officials. The incident, which took place in the Gulf of Aden, has raised concerns about the security of maritime operations in the region.
The MV Central Park, owned and managed by a UK-based, Israel-linked company, was reportedly boarded by unidentified armed individuals. The vessel was later secured by US and coalition forces, and the crew members were confirmed to be safe.
Among the 22 crew members on board the tanker were nationals from Russia, Vietnam, Bulgaria, India, Georgia, the Philippines, and Turkey, according to maritime security firm Ambrey. The crew’s safety is of utmost importance, and efforts are underway to establish the current location of the ship.
This incident comes in the wake of a suspected Iranian drone attack on an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the Indian Ocean, as well as the recent seizure of another Israel-linked cargo vessel by Houthi rebels in the southern Red Sea. These events highlight the escalating tensions in the region and the potential threats faced by ships operating in these waters.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels had previously issued warnings to the MV Central Park, demanding that it divert to the port of Hodeida. However, communications intercepted by a US coalition warship advised the tanker to disregard these messages.
The boarding of the MV Central Park occurred offshore from the port city of Aden, with another vessel in the vicinity reporting an approach by eight individuals wearing military uniforms. The motives behind the seizure are still unclear, but it is believed to be linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-affiliated groups.
Israel has been the target of drone and missile strikes by the Houthis, who consider themselves part of the “axis of resistance” aligned with Iran. These attacks intensified following the October 7 assault by Hamas militants on Israel. In response, Israel has vowed to take decisive action against the Islamist group, which controls the Gaza Strip.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant casualties and has drawn international attention. According to Israeli authorities, approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and around 240 hostages were taken during the initial attack. On the other hand, Gaza’s Hamas government claims that nearly 15,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and ground operations since the war began.
The seizure of the MV Central Park underscores the need for enhanced security measures in the Gulf of Aden and the surrounding waters. Maritime operations in these areas must be conducted with utmost caution to ensure the safety of crew members and the uninterrupted flow of global trade.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for international stakeholders to closely monitor developments and work towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflicts that have engulfed the region. Cooperation among nations and adherence to international maritime laws are essential to maintaining stability and security in these vital waterways.
Source: The Manila Times
