The recent seizure and subsequent release of a tanker linked to Israel off the coast of Yemen, followed by a missile attack from Houthi-controlled territory, highlights the escalating tensions in the Gulf of Aden and the ongoing shadow war between Iran and Israel.
The Tanker Seizure and Missile Attack
On Sunday, armed assailants seized the Liberian-flagged tanker Central Park, managed by Zodiac Maritime, in the Gulf of Aden. The U.S. Navy responded to the seizure, demanding the release of the tanker and pursuing the attackers, who eventually surrendered.
Shortly after the tanker’s release, two ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen landed near a U.S. warship assisting the tanker. The USS Mason, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, was not damaged or injured in the attack.
Yemen’s Internationally Recognized Government Blames Houthis
Yemen’s internationally recognized government, based in Aden, blamed the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels for the tanker seizure and missile attack. The Houthis, who control the capital, Sanaa, have not acknowledged either incident.
Zodiac Maritime Linked to Israeli Billionaire
Zodiac Maritime, the company managing the Central Park, is part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group. This connection further underscores the tensions between Iran and Israel playing out in the region.
Previous Attacks Targeting Zodiac Maritime
Zodiac Maritime has been targeted previously in the ongoing shadow war between Iran and Israel. In 2021, a drone attack attributed to Iran killed two crew members aboard Zodiac’s oil tanker Mercer Street off the coast of Oman.
Global Shipping Increasingly Targeted
Global shipping has become a target in the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Earlier in November, the Houthis seized a vehicle transport ship also linked to Israel in the Red Sea off Yemen.
US Aircraft Carrier Enters Persian Gulf
The USS Eisenhower, an American aircraft carrier, recently traveled through the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Persian Gulf, accompanied by a guided-missile cruiser, guided-missile destroyers, and a French frigate. This move could be interpreted as a show of force in response to the recent tanker seizure and missile attack.
Conclusion
The tanker seizure and missile attack in the Gulf of Aden demonstrate the escalating tensions in the region and the ongoing shadow war between Iran and Israel. These incidents underscore the potential for further conflict and the need for de-escalation efforts to prevent a wider regional war.