US assists Israeli-managed petroleum tanker attacked off Oman, says 'hit by drone'

US Navy is assisting an Israel-managed petroleum products tanker that was attacked off Oman, US Defense Forces said on July 31, ding that ship was most likely hit by a drone strike. On Thursday, Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged Japanese-owned vessel, was targeted whilst it was on its way from Tanzania to United Arab Emirates. attack led to death of two crew members and an allegation on Iran from Israel’s newly formed government.

In statement, US Central Command asserted that partially obliterated ship was being accompanied by aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. "U.S. Navy explosives experts are aboard to ensure re is no ditional danger to crew, and are prepared to support an investigation into attack," said Central Command, which oversees American military operations in Middle East and Central Asia."Initial indications clearly point to a UAV-style (drone) attack," it ded. It is imperative to note that while ship is owned by a Japanese, it is managed by an Israel-based Zodiac maritime.  

Israel blames Iran

While Israel and Iran have alrey been tring barbs pertaining to maritime attacks on each or’s ships and carriers, Israeli foreign minister, on Friday, stepped ahe to accuse Tehran of perpetuating “terrorism”. Speaking to US Secretary of States Antony Blinken on Saturday, Yair Lapid stressed that Jerusalem was working to find a solution to “Iranian terrorism” by formulating a “real and effective” international response.

"We are working toger against Iranian terrorism, which poses a threat to all of us, by formulating a real and effective international response," Lapid said. Lapid ded on Twitter: Iran "repeatedly errs in understanding our commitment to protecting ourselves and our interests."

Earlier this month, Israel’s Defense officials were checking wher Iran was behind a possible attack on a cargo ship that is partially owned by Zionists. CSSAV Tyndall was on its way from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to United Arab Emirates when it was possibly hit by a projectile. In aftermath, authorities confirmed that attack did not cause any casualties or major damage to vessel and it continued its journey.

Image: AP