Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 78° Today's Paper


Top News

Iraq says it has dismantled mine on tanker in Persian Gulf

ASSOCIATED PRESS
                                An aerial photo shows oil tankers loading crude oil at Iraq’s Al-Basra Offshore Terminal in Basra, Iraq, on Dec. 27.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

An aerial photo shows oil tankers loading crude oil at Iraq’s Al-Basra Offshore Terminal in Basra, Iraq, on Dec. 27.

BAGHDAD >> Iraq’s military today said explosives experts with its naval forces successfully dismantled a mine that was discovered stuck to an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf.

The statement said Iraqi authorities have opened an investigation into the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for placing the mine.

The announcement came a day after Iraq confirmed reports by private security firms that a mine had been discovered attached to the side of a tanker rented from Iraq’s Oil Marketing Company, known as SOMO, as it was refueling another vessel. It said that Iraqi teams were working to dismantle the mine.

Iraq has not provided further details, but the two private security firms said the discovery was likely a limpet mine on the MT Pola, a Liberian-flagged tanker.

A limpet mine is a type of naval mine that attaches to the side of a ship, usually by a diver-member of special forces. It later explodes, and can significantly damage a vessel.

The discovery came amid heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S. in the final days of President Donald Trump’s administration.

Already, America has conducted B-52 bomber flyovers and sent a nuclear submarine into the Persian Gulf over what Trump officials describe as the possibility of an Iranian attack on the one-year anniversary of the U.S. drones strike near Baghdad that killed a top Iranian general and a top Iraqi militia leader.

Iraq is marking the anniversary with a series of events this week, including a ceremony at Baghdad’s airport Saturday night, where the drone strike that killed the two men occurred a year ago.

RELATED STORY: Pearl Harbor warship in Persian Gulf hot spot

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.