Since 1975
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Home
  • Middle East
  • US military accuses Iranian forces of boarding Liberian-flagged civilian ship

US military accuses Iranian forces of boarding Liberian-flagged civilian ship

In July 2019, Iran briefly seized a British-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf after Britain seized the Iranian tanker Grace 1, accused of violating sanctions on Syria. (AFP/File)
In July 2019, Iran briefly seized a British-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf after Britain seized the Iranian tanker Grace 1, accused of violating sanctions on Syria. (AFP/File)
Short Url:
13 Aug 2020 01:08:27 GMT9
13 Aug 2020 01:08:27 GMT9

WASHINGTON: The United States military on Wednesday said that Iranian forces had boarded a civilian vessel in international waters in the Gulf.

The US military’s Central Command released a grainy black-and-white video on Twitter showing a helicopter near a large ship.

“Today in international waters, Iranian forces, including two ships and an Iranian ‘Sea King’ helicopter, overtook and boarded a ship called the ‘Wila,’” the US Central Command said in a tweet.

According to Refinitiv tracking data, Wila is a Liberian-flagged oil tanker and was currently anchored near the United Arab Emirates’ port of Khor Fakkan.

A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the incident took place near the Strait of Hormuz and the ship was eventually released by Iranian forces.

The official said the United States military was not involved in anything other than monitoring the situation.

Tensions between Iran and the United States increased last year following a series of incidents involving shipping in and near the Gulf.

In July 2019, Iran briefly seized a British-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf after Britain seized the Iranian tanker Grace 1, accused of violating sanctions on Syria.

Reuters

Most Popular
Recommended

return to top