Israeli-linked tanker attacked near Yemen freed by American sailors

US officials tell Reuters that an Israeli-linked tanker seized by Yemeni rebels has been freed by a US warship and is now safe, the news agency reports.

One US official says the USS Mason responded to the ship’s distress call and freed the tanker.

They do not say who the USZ believes is behind the attack, which has not been claimed.

A US defense official earlier said that it appeared “an unknown number of unidentified armed individuals” seized the Liberian-flagged Central Park, managed by Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group.

“US and coalition forces are in the vicinity and we are closely monitoring the situation,” the official said.

Private intelligence firm Ambrey said before that it appeared that “US naval forces are engaged in the situation and have asked vessels to stay clear of the area.”