The U.S. Central Command reported today, Monday, that two ballistic missiles were launched towards one of its destroyers after five individuals attempted to hijack a commercial tanker. However, the missiles landed ten miles away from the destroyer. Central Command stated in a message released via X that the American destroyer had received a distress call from the commercial tanker after being attacked by “an unknown entity.”
It was clarified that five armed men had been holding the tanker but attempted to escape once forces arrived, ultimately surrendering. The crew of the commercial vessel is safe. The two ballistic missiles were launched from areas under Houthi control in Yemen towards the American destroyer but fell in the Gulf of Aden.
U.S. Central Command leader General Michael Kurilla was quoted saying, "We will continue to work with allies and partners to ensure the security and safety of international maritime routes... maritime security is essential for regional stability."
Earlier today, Fox News reported that the tanker is operated by a company owned by an Israeli businessman and was flying the Liberian flag while carrying a shipment of phosphoric acid on Sunday off the coast of Yemen. The network reported a spokesperson for Zodiac, the London-based owner, saying that the tanker was attacked by "suspected pirates" while transiting the recommended international route approximately 54 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia.
The report noted that the five militants boarded the tanker and attempted to breach its secure room but failed, departing the vessel and were subsequently arrested while returning to Yemen's shores. It mentioned that the U.S. military fired warning shots while pursuing the five militants, as a helicopter hovered above them.
The American destroyer that pursued them received support from a Japanese destroyer during the operation, with the five militants currently being interrogated by the U.S. military under anti-piracy authorities. Zodiac stated that both the tanker and its entire crew are unharmed, and the shipment was not damaged.
