Attackers seized a tanker associated with Israel off the coast of Yemen on Sunday. While no specific group immediately claimed responsibility, this incident follows at least two other maritime attacks recently linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Liberian-flagged Central Park, managed by Zodiac Maritime, was seized in the Gulf of Aden, as reported by the company and private intelligence firm Ambrey. An anonymous American defense official confirmed to The Associated Press that the attack indeed occurred.
Zodiac described the incident as a “suspected piracy incident,” emphasizing the priority of ensuring the safety of the 22 crew members on board. The vessel, captained by a Turkish national, has a diverse crew comprising Russian, Vietnamese, Bulgarian, Indian, Georgian, and Filipino nationals. It is transporting a full cargo of phosphoric acid.
A US Navy warship responded to a distress call from the tanker and secured the ship, US officials told Reuters.
Zodiac described the vessel as being owned by Clumvez Shipping Inc., though other records directly linked Zodiac as the owner. London-based Zodiac Maritime is part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group. British corporate records listed two men with the last name Ofer as a current and former director of Clumvez Shipping, including Daniel Guy Ofer, also a director at Zodiac Maritime. a tanker associated
The perpetrators behind the attack on the tanker off the coast of Yemen have not been immediately identified. Aden, located nearby, is under the control of forces allied with Yemen’s internationally recognized government and a Saudi-led coalition that has been engaged in a long-standing conflict with Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. In principle, the Gulf of Aden in that area is supposed to be under the control of these forces and is relatively distant from territories controlled by the Houthi rebels within the country. Additionally, Somali pirates are not known to operate in this specific area, adding to the mystery surrounding the attack.