GMM Safety | 2024-04-19 | Case Incidents |
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has captured the MSC Aries, a container ship registered in Portugal, near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating regional tensions following Israel’s strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria.
The vessel, owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer and associated with London-based Zodiac Maritime, was taken over by IRGC forces during a helicopter operation.
Iranian state television reported that IRGC members had to rappel down from a helicopter onto the ship’s deck to carry out the seizure.
The action comes amid rising tensions following the deaths of 7 IRGC members, including two generals, in a Syrian airstrike.
The Associated Press collected the footage of the military operation, in which soldiers were seen boarding the ship.
There were allegations that the MSC Aries, carrying 25 crew members from different countries, was sailing from the United Arab Emirates to India.
The Italian Swiss Shipping company MSC oversees the vessel’s operations and confirmed that it is in touch with officials to ensure crew safety.
The ship was first reportedly seized NorthEast of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Israeli authorities criticized the move, calling it a “pirate operation” and pressing for international penalties against Iran as well as the IRGC’s classification as a terrorist group.
The US is increasing its military presence in the Middle East because it expects Iran to retaliate for the attack on Syria.President Joe Biden met with national security advisors to monitor the situation closely.
US sources confirmed the repositioning of warships in the region to increase deterrence.
Iran’s decision to take control of the cargo ship connected to Israel raises the possibility of retaliation amid concerns of a broader crisis escalation.
The incident was reported by the IRGC-aligned Tasnim News Agency, highlighting Iran’s commitment to hold Israel responsible for its acts.
The capture of the MSC Aries in the critical Strait of Hormuz escalates tensions between Iran and Israel, with potential consequences for regional stability.
Reference: Aljazeera, FirstPost
