Third attack in recent weeks on an Israel-linked tanker off Yemen results in seizure
A Tanker Seized in the Gulf of Aden: A Suspected Piracy Incident
A tanker was seized in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen, the vessel’s management said on Sunday.
The Zodiac Maritime ship management company, which is one part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group, described the attack on the Liberian-flagged Central Park tanker as “a suspected piracy incident,” according to the Associated Press.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Culprit
It’s not clear yet who is responsible for hijacking the vessel.
“Our priority is the safety of our 22 crew onboard,” Zodiac said in a statement. “The Turkish-captained vessel has a multinational crew consisting of a crew of Russian, Vietnamese, Bulgarian, Indian, Georgian, and Filipino nationals. The vessel is carrying a full cargo of phosphoric acid.”
The incident comes days after a container ship, CMA CGM Symi, owned by another Israeli billionaire, came under attack by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean.
The Houthis, which are largely Yemeni rebels who have Iranian support, have shot down a United States drone, flown a drone in the direction of U.S. forces, fired missiles believed to be heading to Israel in the last couple of weeks, and seized an Israeli-linked vessel in the Red Sea.
Last week, Houthi forces seized an Israel-connected vessel, taking the crew, about twenty-five people, hostage, while threatening to do it again in light of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.
The Biden administration, following the hijacking of the Bahamas-flagged carrier Galaxy Leader, which is owned by Ray Car Carriers, said it would reconsider designating the Houthis a terrorist organization.
“In light of that recent targeting of civilians by the Houthis, recent targeting of civilians by the Houthis, and now the piracy of a ship in international waters, we have begun a review of potential terrorist designations and we’ll be considering other options together with our allies and partners as well,” National Security Council coordinator John Kirby said.
U.S. navy carriers in the Middle East have intercepted missiles or drones from Yemen, presumably from the Houthis in particular, that officials suspected were targeting Israel or posing a threat to the U.S. forces twice in the last month. The USS Carney intercepted three cruise missiles and several drones in an incident last month, while last week, the USS Thomas Hudner shot down a drone that was flying toward it at the time.
The Houthis shot down a U.S. MQ-9 reaper drone over the Red Sea earlier this month, and the military did not try to recover.
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How have international naval forces responded to the escalating piracy incidents in the Gulf of Aden?
Ident occurred on Saturday, July 29, when the Central Park tanker was sailing through the Gulf of Aden, a highly strategic and volatile region known for its pirate attacks. The tanker, with a capacity of 56,000 tons, was en route from Jordan to India when it was unexpectedly seized by armed individuals.
Piracy in the Gulf of Aden
The Gulf of Aden, located between Yemen and Somalia, has become notorious for piracy over the past decade. With its strategic location connecting major shipping routes, this area has been a hotspot for piracy attacks. According to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), the Gulf of Aden accounted for 10% of the total piracy incidents worldwide in 2020. These attacks not only pose a significant risk to maritime trade but also endanger the lives of seafarers.
International Response to Piracy
In response to the escalating piracy incidents, international naval forces have deployed anti-piracy patrols in the region. This has significantly reduced the success rate of pirate attacks in recent years. However, the latest seizure of the Central Park tanker suggests that piracy remains a persistent threat in the Gulf of Aden.
Assessing the Situation
While the identity of the perpetrators is still unknown, several theories have emerged regarding the motive behind the attack. Some speculate that this incident could be linked to a territorial dispute or a ransom demand. Others believe it may be connected to the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where various armed groups are vying for control.
About 90% of global trade is carried by sea, making piracy a significant concern for the international community. Vessels transporting valuable cargo, as well as the lives of crew members, are put at risk in these incidents. Therefore, it is imperative for the international community to take swift and decisive action to address this pressing issue.
Efforts to combat piracy should focus on strengthening naval patrols, improving intelligence sharing among coastal states, and enhancing the security capabilities of vessels transiting through high-risk areas. In addition, there is a need for enhanced cooperation and coordination among countries in the region to effectively counter piracy.
Safeguarding Maritime Security
Piracy not only disrupts maritime trade but also undermines the stability and security of coastal regions. It is imperative for countries to work hand in hand to address the root causes of piracy, such as poverty, political instability, and weak governance. By promoting socio-economic development, ensuring good governance, and fostering regional cooperation, it is possible to create an environment that discourages piracy and supports the growth of a secure and stable maritime industry.
Incidents like the seizure of the Central Park tanker serve as a wake-up call for the international community to redouble efforts in combating maritime piracy. The safety of seafarers and the security of global trade depend on our collective determination to eliminate this menace from the seas. It is only through international cooperation, robust security measures, and sustainable development that we can achieve lasting maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and beyond.
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