Iraq’s Security Media Cell confirmed yesterday that Iraqi explosives experts are working on detaching what is suspected to be a limpet mine from a Liberian-flagged tanker near Iraqi waters in the Persian Gulf. The ship, named by The Associated Press as the MT Pola, was reported to be transferring fuel to another tanker when the mine was first reported on Dec. 31.
The Iraqi statement said that Iraq’s naval forces were making “a great effort to accomplish the mission” safely. It was the first official Iraqi confirmation that a mine was discovered, while an oil transfer was underway. Iraqi rescue teams have evacuated the ship receiving the fuel and were reportedly working to remove the crew of the vessel with the mine on it.
