At least one Israeli ship was attacked in the Arabian Sea last Friday, February 10, a source in the Israeli Defense Ministry told Reuters today. It is assumed that the attack was carried out by Iran.
The source did not provide further details. British maritime security company Ambrey Intelligence said three ships were attacked by unmanned aerial vehicles in the Arabian Sea. The company suggests that Tehran is behind the attack.
The Jerusalem Post, citing the BBC, reports that the drone attack on the Israeli ship was carried out by a unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. According to media reports, the IRGC launched Shahed-136 suicide drones at the Israeli tanker Campo Square, owned by businessman Eyal Ofer, in the Persian Gulf. Sources in the Pentagon and other defense departments confirmed this information in an interview with the BBC Persian Service.
In addition to military sources in the Middle East, the US military said they believe a Shahed-136 drone was used in last Friday’s attack. These drones, according to the BBC, are being used by the Russian military for attacks in Ukraine.
Tankers Pacific Zicron and Mercer Street were attacked in the same area, according to sources. Both US and Israeli officials accused Iran of instigating these attacks.
Iran has denied responsibility for the attack on the tanker, calling the press reports “Zionist propaganda.”
The Saudi news agency reported that a similar attack was carried out on a vessel belonging to the United Arab Emirates in the same area and at the same time.
