Launching of two ballistic missiles towards an American destroyer in the Gulf of Aden… Will the “Ship War” ignite?
The United States Central Command stated on Monday that two ballistic missiles were launched towards one of its destroyers after apprehending (5) individuals attempting to hijack a commercial tanker. However, the missiles fell about (10) miles away from the destroyer.
According to the Central Command’s statement released on the (X) platform, the American destroyer received a distress call from the commercial tanker after being attacked by an “unknown entity.” The statement explained that (5) armed individuals holding the tanker attempted to escape upon the arrival of forces, but eventually surrendered. The statement affirmed the safety of the crew of the commercial ship.
The ballistic missiles were reported to have been launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen towards the American destroyer but ended up falling in the Gulf of Aden.
Quoting the commander of the United States Central Command, Michael Corrilla, it was stated, “We will continue to work with allies and partners to ensure the security and safety of international maritime passages… maritime security is essential for regional stability.”
The incident involving the chemical tanker (Central Park) is the latest in a series of attacks on ships in the Middle East region since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas last month.
This comes after the Houthi militia, allied with Iran, seized a cargo ship linked to Israel in the southern Red Sea last week. The Houthi group pledged to target more Israeli ships.
Earlier today, the American network (Fox News) reported that the tanker is operated by a company owned by an Israeli businessman, flying the flag of Liberia, and carrying a shipment of phosphoric acid.
The network quoted a spokesperson for the owning company, Zodiac, based in London, stating that the tanker was attacked by “suspected pirates” while crossing the recommended international passage, about (54) nautical miles off the coast of Somalia.
The network clarified that the (5) armed individuals took control of the tanker after boarding it and attempted to break into its safe room, but they failed and left. They were apprehended during their return to the shores of Yemen. The U.S. military reportedly fired warning shots while pursuing the (5) militants, with a helicopter flying above them.
The American network reported that the U.S. warship, which pursued them, received support from a Japanese destroyer during the operation. The (5) militants are reportedly undergoing interrogation by the U.S. military under anti-piracy authorities.
Zodiac, the American network reported, stated that the tanker and its entire crew are safe, and the shipment was not harmed.
