Israeli-linked tanker attackers apprehended by US Navy

A United States Navy ship caught armed men who took control of a tanker linked to Israel off the coast of Yemen on Sunday, according to US defense officials.

The attackers tried to get away on a boat, but the US warship followed them.

The US Central Command said that rebels from Houthi-controlled territory in the country fired two missiles at the warship.

The Houthis have said they will attack Israel because of its fighting with Hamas in Gaza.

Israel started fighting back after the attack on October 7th in southern Israel. 1,200 people died and over 240 were taken as hostages.

Since that time, over 14,500 people have died in the Gaza Strip. About 40% of them were children, according to the health ministry run by Hamas.

The Houthis say they are part of a group of countries and organizations that resist Iran.

The Central Park was the tanker that was targeted on Sunday, according to the ship’s company.

Zodiac Maritime Ltd, a company owned by the Ofer family from Israel, is in charge of taking care of Central Park. They are based in London and manage ships internationally.

Zodiac Maritime announced that the 22 crew members were from Russia, Vietnam, Bulgaria, India, Georgia, the Philippines, and the captain was from Turkey.

The rebels might attack the tanker that was carrying phosphoric acid unless it changes course and goes to a port in Yemen.

According to a statement from the US military, the USS Mason asked that the assailants free the commercial ship with assistance from other ships.

Five people with weapons tried to run away on a fast boat, but the USS Mason followed them and they gave up in the end.

The US said that two missiles were shot at the warship but missed and landed far away.

The recent attacks were done by the Houthis, who have been carrying out a series of attacks.

They shot many missiles and drones at Israel after Israel started its operation.

The US said that its warship in the Red Sea stopped all the missiles and drones.

Houthi rebels said they took control of an Israeli cargo ship in the Red Sea last week. Israel said the boat was not from Israel, and no people from Israel were on board.

The Houthis have been fighting a long war with Yemen’s government, supported by Saudi Arabia, since 2014.