SANAA: Attackers have seized and later released a tanker affiliated with Israel near the coast of Yemen, Western media reported on Monday.
Reports quoted authorities as saying the unidentified attackers seized on Sunday the Liberian-flagged tanker Central Park, managed by Zodiac Maritime.
An American defence official, on condition of anonymity also confirmed the attack to the media.
Zodiac Maritime in a statement said the vessel was carrying phosphoric acid and its 22 sailors from different countries were unharmed.
Company thanked coalition forces for release of tanker
The company expressed gratitude to the coalition forces who responded quickly, protecting the vessel and upholding international maritime law. It did not provide any details on how the attackers released left the take or about their identity.
Zodiac described the ship was owned by Clumvez Shipping Inc. However other records directly linked Zodiac as the main owner.
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As per reports Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group owns London-based Zodiac Maritime.
Yemen’s internationally recognised government in a statement accused the rebels for the attack.
“The Yemeni government has renewed its denunciation of the acts of maritime piracy carried out by the terrorist Houthi militias with the support of the Iranian regime, the most recent of which was the hijacking of the Central Park,” the statement read.
Tensions in the region have escalated as Houthis launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel since the October 7 attack by Hamas.
