Dangerous Maritime Escalation: Militants Seize Tanker Off Aden, Near Total Paralysis in Strait of Hormuz

Maritime security sources reported that a group of militants managed to board and seize the tanker 'Asana', specialized in transporting chemical materials, while it was off the southern coast of Yemen. Ship tracking data indicates that the small tanker had designated Bosaso port in Somalia as its next destination before the incident occurred in the Gulf of Aden.

For its part, the UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the incident, stating that unauthorized individuals boarded the vessel while it was sailing eastward. The attack occurred approximately 65 nautical miles south of Yemen's Mukalla port, raising concerns about the security of vital waterways in the region.

This development coincides with a sharp escalation in regional tensions following an exchange of military strikes between the United States and Iran. Reports indicated that Tehran instructed the Houthi group in Yemen to prepare to close the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait if Iranian energy facilities were subjected to American bombardment.

In a related context, another ship sustained a direct hit off the coast of the Sultanate of Oman, specifically 19 nautical miles from the city of Khasab. The UK Maritime Security Agency clarified that the attack resulted in minor damage to the ship's hull, with no serious human casualties reported so far.

These direct military confrontations have led to a near-total paralysis of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which is the most important maritime passage for global oil and gas trade. This halt immediately impacted international energy markets, with oil prices recording significant increases due to fears of supply disruptions.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard explicitly announced that it would disrupt energy export operations through the Strait as long as American military movements against it continued. This escalatory stance came through statements reported by Iranian media, affirming that Tehran would not stand idly by in the face of the naval blockade imposed on it.

Shipping data revealed a historic decline in the number of vessels crossing the Strait, with only three ships recorded last Thursday. This figure represents the lowest daily crossing level in years, compared to the usual average of up to 125 ships daily before the current crisis erupted.

Tracking systems observed most ships stopping or turning back to avoid conflict zones, especially with the United States resuming its naval blockade on Iran-linked shipping. The tankers 'Miran' and 'Norita' exited the Strait via Iranian routes but were forced to stop in the Gulf of Oman due to the American military presence.

In Iraq, oil and security sources confirmed the temporary halt of crude loading operations at Basra port for a brief period on Thursday. This forced halt came after an oil tanker docked at one of the berths was attacked by a drone, before authorities announced the resumption of operations later after securing the site.

Despite the tension, giant tankers such as 'Columbia Prosperity' and 'Costa Rica Prosperity' were seen outside the Strait carrying millions of barrels of Saudi and Iraqi oil. These tankers are heading to international destinations including Japan and Turkey, with their routes closely monitored by marine insurance companies.

Estimates from international energy companies indicate that crude oil and liquefied natural gas tankers have completely stopped crossing the Strait for the second consecutive day. This halt reflects the extreme caution exercised by global shipping companies to avoid being caught in the direct confrontation between regional and international powers.

The situation in the waterways surrounding the Arabian Peninsula remains susceptible to further escalation in the absence of a political solution. Major capitals are closely monitoring developments regarding ship seizures in the Gulf of Aden, given their serious implications for the freedom of international navigation and the costs of shipping and insurance.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard will not allow oil or gas exports through the Strait of Hormuz as long as American attacks continue.