Commandos descended from a helicopter and took over the MSC Aries near the Strait of Hormuz, on Saturday, with the dramatic ordeal caught on camera.
MSC Aries hijacking: Israel-linked ship taken over by Iranian forces
According to reports, the hijacking occurred on Saturday when armed commandos rapidly descended onto the MSC Aries, navigating near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Zodiac Maritime, affiliated with the Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group, operates the ship under the Portuguese flag.
Before the incident, the ship turned off its tracking data, a typical precaution for Israeli-affiliated vessels in this region.
The video, later released by media, showcased the hijacking, which the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported as a seizure by “regional authorities” near Fujairah, off the Emirati coast, without specifying the attackers.
Why would Iran orchestrate an attack against an Israel-linked ship?
Iran‘s potential motivations for orchestrating such an attack are likely rooted in the ongoing geopolitical friction with Israel.
Targeting Israel-linked vessels could be perceived by Iran as a strategic move to assert dominance and react to perceived encroachments or international sanctions led by Western nations.
This aggressive posture in a crucial maritime corridor may be a demonstration of Iran’s capabilities and resolve in the face of adversarial relationships, particularly with Israel and its allies.
Reactions to viral footage of MSC Aries hijacking
The viral footage of the MSC Aries hijacking triggered a wide range of reactions on social media, with users expressing alarm and condemnation.
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