In a concerning maritime incident, the Liberian-flagged tanker Central Park, associated with Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Maritime, was seized off the coast of Aden, Yemen. This latest development follows a series of attacks on vessels linked to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the region. The attack heightens tensions in the Gulf of Aden and underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
Seizure of Central Park: A Suspected Piracy Incident
The attackers targeted the Turkish-captained vessel, reportedly carrying a full cargo of phosphoric acid. The multinational crew aboard includes Russian, Vietnamese, Bulgarian, Indian, Georgian, and Filipino nationals. The incident raises concerns about the safety of the crew and the potential impact on global shipping routes.
Zodiac Maritime and Ongoing Tensions
Zodiac Maritime, owned by Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group, has previously been targeted in the region. In 2021, the oil tanker Mercer Street, operated by Zodiac Maritime, fell victim to a drone attack attributed to Iran. The seizure of Central Park adds another layer to the shadow war between Iran and Israel, contributing to the volatility in the Middle East.
Uncertain Responsibility and International Response
While no group has claimed responsibility for the seizure, the circumstances suggest a coordinated and potentially politically motivated attack. The United States and coalition forces are closely monitoring the situation, urging vessels to steer clear of the area. The U.S. defense official reported that “an unknown number of unidentified armed individuals” conducted the seizure.
The Context: Escalating Maritime Tensions
The seizure of Central Park follows a similar incident involving the CMA CGM Symi, owned by another Israeli billionaire, attacked by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean. These events raise concerns about the security of maritime traffic in the region amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
Conclusion: Navigating Troubled Waters
As maritime tensions escalate, the safety of shipping vessels in key waterways becomes a growing concern. The Central Park seizure adds to the complexity of an already volatile situation, underscoring the need for international cooperation to ensure the security of maritime trade routes.
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