Israel Navy uncovers weaponry onboard cargo vessel

New Delhi, Mar. 15 (ANI): The Israel Navy on Tuesday confirmed that its fighters had intercepted a cargo vessel "Victoria" loaded with various weaponry.

A release issued by the Embassy of Israel in New Delhi, quoted the IDF spokesman as saying in a statement that: "The vessel, flying under a Liberian flag, was intercepted some 200 miles west of Israel's coast."

"This incident was part of the Navy's routine activity to maintain security and prevent arms smuggling, in light of IDF security assessments. The force was met with no resistance from the crew on-board," the statement added.

It further said: "The vessel is now being led by the Israeli Navy to an Israeli port for further searches and detailed inspection of the cargo. The vessel was on its way from Mersin Port in Turkey to Alexandria Port in Egypt."

The statement said: "According to assessments, the various weaponry on-board the vessel was intended for the use of terror organizations operating in the Gaza Strip. The IDF would like to note that Turkey is not tied to the incident in any way."

It further said: "The operation was approved as necessary in accordance with government directives in light of the Chief of the General Staff's recommendations. Earlier this morning, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz updated the Minister of Defense, Mr. Ehud Barak, about the findings on-board the vessel."

The IDF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs alerted about the interception of the "Victoria" to the German authorities, due to the German ownership of the ship. In addition, the government of Liberia, whose flag it was flying under, was notified, as well as France, due to the French shipping company.

The operation was under the command of the IDF Navy Commander, Maj. Gen. Eliezer Marom, and the interception was under the command of the Navy Special Forces Commander.

The vessel's crew and content will be transferred to an Israeli port for questioning and further inspection.

The IDF will continue its intelligence and operational activities in order to maintain Israel's security interests and prevent arms smuggling that will fuel the terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. (ANI)