Page 7 - MEOG Week 11 2021
P. 7
MEOG PIPELINES & TRANSPORT MEOG
Israel targets Iranian oil
cargoes bound for Syria
IRAN/ISRAEL US officials last week said that at least 12 Iranian deviate” course around 72 nautical miles (133
vessels had been targeted by Israel while they km) west-north-west of the Israeli port of Haifa.
were carrying cargoes, mainly of oil, towards Fleet monitoring sources report that Shahr
their destination, Syria. E Kord had transited the Bab al Mandeb Strait
Speaking to the Wall Street journal, the offi- during March 3 and 4, pulling alongside the also
cials said that the attacks had taken place in the Iranian-flagged Saviz vessel, which is suspected
Red Sea since late 2019 and consisted of a com- of being involved with activities of the Islamic
bination of methods, including mines. Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Yemen
When approached for comment, the office of and around the Red Sea.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred On March 10, after transiting the Suez Canal,
the question to the Israeli military, which Shahr E Kord decreased speed then changed
declined to comment on any involvement in course by 180 degrees for around three and a
attacks on Iranian ships, while officials at Iran’s half hours before changing course again and
United Nations (UN) mission failed to respond. again proceeding in the direction of the Syrian
Some of the attacks have been previously port of Latakia.
reported by Iran, with suspicion of Israeli Firefighting efforts were reported to be ongo-
involvement. ing when the vessel arrived at its destination.
Meanwhile, Iranian media outlets last week The incident follows an explosion suffered
reported an ‘incident’ relating to the Iran-flagged by the Israeli-owned Helios Ray vessel while off-
container vessel Shahr E Kord en route to Syria shore Oman on February 25, for which Iran has
through the Eastern Mediterranean. been blamed. In, December, Israel Defence Force
Accounts of the incident have varied signifi- (IDF) Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi said that Israeli
cantly, with some suggesting that a fire had bro- forces had carried out a “successful commando
ken out following an explosion on board, with operation, not necessarily within the first circle
others suggesting that a guided missile ‘without of states”, believed to be in reference to attacks on
warhead’ hit the vessel, causing it to “slow and Iranian vessels.
Week 11 17•March•2021 www. NEWSBASE .com P7
