Iraqi Navy Seizes Foreign Vessel Smuggling Fuel In Gulf, Crew Detained

In a rare operation, the Iraqi navy has seized a foreign vessel suspected of smuggling fuel in Iraqi territorial waters in the Gulf. The navy confirmed that a the ship was intercepted by a patrol boat on Tuesday after receiving intelligence about illegal activity.

The vessel has been towed to the Umm Qasr naval base, and its crew has been handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

According to the navy’s statement, the ship was carrying an Iranian captain, two Iraqi crew members and eight Indian nationals.

The Navy released an image of the vessel, but its name was not visible. It also did not disclose the source of the smuggled fuel or the vessel’s intended destination.

Fuel smuggling has increased in the Gulf due to the heavily subsidised fuel in some countries, which is then sold on the black market for higher prices.

However, such seizures by Iraqi authorities are uncommon. The navy reported that the operation was carried out near the Basra petroleum port complex by the 1st Marine Battalion.

The vessel appears to be an older offshore support vessel (OSV) rather than a tanker, based on the images released by the Iraqi Navy. This indicates a small-scale smuggling attempt.

Per reports, illegal fuel networks frequently operate in the region, with some smuggled fuel transported by sea.

While Iranian authorities regularly intercept smuggling vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, it is rare for such ships to be detained in Iraq.

Reference: Reuters

Source: Maritime Shipping News