Iraqi naval forces have detained a Liberian-flagged oil tanker suspected of smuggling fuel oil, intensifying efforts to combat illegal petroleum trade in Gulf waters, Reuters reports.
The vessel, identified as the Liliana, was intercepted 26 nautical miles off Iraq's coast near Basra's oil terminal. It was carrying 93,000 metric tons of fuel oil believed to be of Iraqi origin. Reuters footage showed armed Iraqi personnel boarding the tanker, questioning crew members, and inspecting passports.
Farhan Al-Fartousi, head of the General Company for Iraqi Ports, said the operation followed intelligence on smuggling activities. He warned that any vessel found engaging in suspicious behavior within Iraqi waters would be detained and prosecuted.
The tanker's documents are being reviewed by the judiciary, and the vessel will be towed to port pending a court decision. Its listed manager, Dubai-based Babylon Navigation, has not responded to inquiries.
This marks Iraq's second fuel smuggling-related seizure this year. In March, naval forces detained another unidentified vessel under similar suspicions.
SeaNews Turkey
The vessel, identified as the Liliana, was intercepted 26 nautical miles off Iraq's coast near Basra's oil terminal. It was carrying 93,000 metric tons of fuel oil believed to be of Iraqi origin. Reuters footage showed armed Iraqi personnel boarding the tanker, questioning crew members, and inspecting passports.
Farhan Al-Fartousi, head of the General Company for Iraqi Ports, said the operation followed intelligence on smuggling activities. He warned that any vessel found engaging in suspicious behavior within Iraqi waters would be detained and prosecuted.
The tanker's documents are being reviewed by the judiciary, and the vessel will be towed to port pending a court decision. Its listed manager, Dubai-based Babylon Navigation, has not responded to inquiries.
This marks Iraq's second fuel smuggling-related seizure this year. In March, naval forces detained another unidentified vessel under similar suspicions.
SeaNews Turkey
