South Korea's Foreign Ministry Confirms Attack on Cargo Vessel in Strait of Hormuz
Seoul's foreign ministry reports unidentified aircraft striking South Korean cargo ship HMM Namu, with the attack causing a fire.
SEOUL: The South Korean foreign ministry has confirmed an attack on a South Korean cargo vessel, the HMM Namu, in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the Ministry, 'unidentified aircraft' struck the cargo ship on Monday, causing a fire and smoke.
The incident occurred when two planes hit the outer plate of the port-side ballast tank at the stern of the ship.
The attack has led U.S. President Donald Trump to accuse Iran of targeting the Panama-flagged vessel and urging South Korea to join American operations aimed at ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies, has seen increased tensions after the U.S. and Israel's military strikes against Iran in late February.
In response, Tehran has conducted attacks across the Middle East and blocked the Strait, causing global energy markets to fluctuate nervously.
The damage to the HMM Namu spanned approximately five meters wide by seven meters into the hull on the port side of the stern.
The engine room fire is believed to have started with the first strike, spreading rapidly after the second hit.
No casualties were reported among the 24 crew members onboard.
Tehran has denied any involvement in the attack through its embassy in Seoul, stating that it 'firmly rejects and categorically denies any allegations regarding the involvement' of its forces.
South Korea's foreign ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to discuss the findings of their investigation.
Further analysis will be conducted on engine debris and other fragments recovered from the scene to try to determine the exact type and origin of the unidentified aircraft that launched the attack.
According to the Ministry, 'unidentified aircraft' struck the cargo ship on Monday, causing a fire and smoke.
The incident occurred when two planes hit the outer plate of the port-side ballast tank at the stern of the ship.
The attack has led U.S. President Donald Trump to accuse Iran of targeting the Panama-flagged vessel and urging South Korea to join American operations aimed at ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies, has seen increased tensions after the U.S. and Israel's military strikes against Iran in late February.
In response, Tehran has conducted attacks across the Middle East and blocked the Strait, causing global energy markets to fluctuate nervously.
The damage to the HMM Namu spanned approximately five meters wide by seven meters into the hull on the port side of the stern.
The engine room fire is believed to have started with the first strike, spreading rapidly after the second hit.
No casualties were reported among the 24 crew members onboard.
Tehran has denied any involvement in the attack through its embassy in Seoul, stating that it 'firmly rejects and categorically denies any allegations regarding the involvement' of its forces.
South Korea's foreign ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to discuss the findings of their investigation.
Further analysis will be conducted on engine debris and other fragments recovered from the scene to try to determine the exact type and origin of the unidentified aircraft that launched the attack.
