Masked Entities Seize Oil Tanker
Masked individuals in army uniforms reportedly intercepted an oil tanker caught in the crossfire of a US-Iran dispute in the Gulf of Oman. The UK Maritime Trade Operations noted a loss of contact with the vessel, named St Nikolas, citing “unknown voices.”
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Masked Entities Seize Oil Tanker
Tensions heightened due to Houthi rebel attacks disrupting shipping in the nearby Red Sea. Ambrey reported that “six military men” boarded the tanker.
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Masked Entities Seize Oil Tanker
This incident unfolded in the waters between Oman and Iran, a crucial passage for global oil trade, where the Strait of Hormuz, a key route, has witnessed previous ship seizures by Iran. There is no immediate acknowledgment from Iran and Oman regarding the boarding. St Nikolas, formerly Suez Rajan, is linked to the Greek shipping company Empire Navigation.
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Masked Entities Seize Oil Tanker
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The vessel had previously unloaded cargo in Texas under a Justice Department order. In September, Empire Navigation pleaded guilty to smuggling sanctioned Iranian crude oil, agreeing to pay a $2.4 million fine in connection with the tanker.