In a significant operation, the US Navy successfully captured armed men who had seized an Israeli-linked tanker off the coast of Yemen on Sunday. The assailants, who attempted to escape on a boat, were pursued by a US warship. This incident comes amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Houthi rebels over Israel’s retaliatory campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Houthi rebels, believed to be backed by Iran, have declared themselves part of an “axis of resistance” against Israel.
The attacked tanker, named Central Park, is managed by Zodiac Maritime Ltd – an international ship management company owned by the Israel-based Ofer family. On board the ship were crew members from various nationalities including Russia, Vietnam, Bulgaria, India, Georgia, the Philippines, and Turkey. The rebels reportedly threatened to attack the tanker if it did not change course and head to a Yemeni port.
Responding swiftly, the US military dispatched the USS Mason along with allied ships to demand the release of the commercial ship. Five armed individuals, who were involved in the attack, attempted to flee on a fast boat but were chased down by the USS Mason and eventually surrendered. Although two missiles were fired towards the warship from Houthi-controlled territory, they missed their target and landed away from the vessel.
This incident marks the latest escalation in attacks by the Houthi rebels. They have fired missiles and drones towards Israel following the commencement of Israel’s military operation. However, the US has successfully intercepted all such projectiles in the Red Sea with its warships.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2014, with the Houthi rebels engaged in a prolonged civil war against Yemen’s official government, supported by Saudi Arabia. In recent times, the rebels have also seized an Israeli cargo ship in the Red Sea, although Israel disputes the vessel’s ownership and denies any Israeli presence among its crew.
The US Navy’s successful interception of the attackers highlights its commitment to maritime security and protection of international interests in the region. With tensions between Israel and Houthi rebels persisting, it remains crucial for the international community to closely monitor the situation and take necessary measures to prevent further escalations.
As this development unfolds, it is important for the involved parties to maintain open lines of communication and seek diplomatic resolutions to address the underlying issues. Only through peaceful negotiations can a long-lasting and stable solution be found, reducing the risks of further disruptions in global maritime trade and security.
