Iranian state media broadcast pictures of a helicopter-borne operation by masked navy commandos to board an oil tanker headed for the United States in the Gulf of Oman.
Iran recently took control of the Turkish-managed, Chinese-owned Advantage Sweet, which it seized on Thursday amid rising tensions with the United States over Iran’s developing nuclear program.
Tehran claims that the tanker was impounded because it collided with another Iranian vessel, but it hasn’t offered any supporting documentation, and the Islamic Republic has used other ships as negotiating chips with the West.
The video showed the commandos lowering themselves via ropes onto Advantage Sweet’s deck. One commando was captured on camera raising his fist after allegedly taking the vessel.
According to the 5th Fleet of the United States Navy, Tehran has kidnapped at least five commercial ships in the past two years.
“Iran’s continued harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional waters are a threat to maritime security and the global economy,” the statement stated.
The Advantage Sweet, which has 24 Indian crew members, is being escorted to a port by the Iranian navy because of an international disagreement, according to a statement from the ship’s manager, a Turkish company called Advantage Tankers.
The company says, “The safety and welfare of our cherished crew members is our No. 1 priority.” According to similar events, the crew members of vessels captured under such circumstances are not in danger.
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