TANKER TERRORISM

In the NAUTICAL LOG Press Release folder this morning comes a report from the United Arab Emirates that the attack on the MS M Star was terrorism. The tanker which was attacked last week in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman suffered its damage from a home-made explosive device. Two days ago a group working with al-Qaeda claimed responsibility. A statement signed by the Abdullah Azzam Brigades said one of its suicide bombers was responsible for the blast.

The report from a UAE Coastguard source states:

"An examination carried out by specialised teams had confirmed that the tanker had been the subject of a terrorist attack. UAE explosive experts who collected and examined samples found a dent on the starboard side above the waterline and remains of home-made explosives on the hull."

However Mitsui OSK the vessel owners said it could not confirm the report. Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada said his government were aware of the report but had not yet confirmed its details. We look for the final report.

Good Watch.

Comments

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