SEOUL (AFP): Unidentified aircraft have struck a South Korean cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz this week, the foreign ministry said Sunday, days after the fire-damaged HMM Namu arrived at port in Dubai.
"On May 4, two unidentified aircraft struck the outer plate of the port-side ballast tank at the stern of the HMM Namu at roughly one-minute intervals, causing flames and smoke," ministry spokesman Park Il told a news briefing, without specifying what kind of aircraft had been involved in the attack.
US President Donald Trump has blamed Iran, who has denied responsibility.
Meanwhile, it was reported by Reuters, that Seoul is investigating the incident, and the vessel was towed to a port in Dubai after the blaze on Monday.
It was not certain what the object was, the ministry said, and authorities said debris would be collected at the site for analysis.
Trump urged South Korea to join a currently suspended US-led effort dubbed "Project Freedom," to secure shipping through the strait following the incident.
Iran's embassy in South Korea denied responsibility for the attack. It did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the object outside of normal business hours.
An HMM spokesperson declined to comment on the ministry's statement.
