Attackers Who Held Israel-Linked Tanker Seized by U.S. Navy

A U.S. warship. Photo: iStock.com/3DSculptor

A U.S. Navy warship has captured armed men who seized an Israeli-linked tanker off the coast of Yemen on November 26, U.S. defense officials say.

BBC News reports the assailants attempted to escape on a boat but were chased by the U.S. warship. U.S. Central Command reported that two missiles were then fired towards the warship from rebel Houthi-controlled territory in the country.

The Houthis have promised to target Israel over its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, declaring themselves part of an "axis of resistance" of Iran-affiliated groups.

The tanker attacked on November 26 was identified as the Central Park, managed by Zodiac Maritime Ltd, a London-headquartered international ship management company owned by Israel's Ofer family. The rebels are reported to have threatened to attack the tanker, which was carrying phosphoric acid, if it did not divert to a Yemeni port.

In a statement, the U.S. military said the USS Mason, with help from allied ships, demanded that the commercial ship be released by the attackers. Five armed individuals then tried to escape on a fast boat but were chased by the USS Mason and they eventually surrendered, the statement added. Two missiles were then fired towards the warship but landed far from the vessel, the U.S. said.

On November 19, Houthi rebels said they seized an Israeli cargo ship in the Red Sea. Israel said the ship was not Israeli, and no Israelis were among its crew.