South Korean Cargo Ship Hit in Hormuz Strait: Was It an Attack?

Phone interview with Kim Yeol-su, director of security and force at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs. As the U.S. and Iran remain locked in a standoff over control of the Strait of Hormuz, South Korea’s government is investigating reports that a South Korean-flagged cargo ship sustained what appears to be an attack. Officials say there were no injuries. We spoke by phone with Kim Yeol-su for analysis.「Question 1」 Reports indicate the vessel was moored at an inner port in the Strait of Hormuz and that part of its hull was damaged. Some experts suspect the damage resulted from a strike. Can investigators distinguish clearly between an external hit and an internal explosion?「Question 2」 If the ship was struck, what level of damage would you expect? How would the extent of damage vary depending on the type of weapon involved?「Question 3」 The ship’s size and whether it was carrying cargo have not been confirmed. Vessels that transit the Strait of Hormuz are often large. Based on what’s typical, how would you size up this vessel and its likely cargo status?「Question 4」 If this was an attack, given current tensions in the Strait, who would be the most likely actor? Could this have been accidental—a misfire or stray munition?「Question 4-1」 Fortunately, there are no reported casualties. Still, getting the crew to safety is urgent. What evacuation and rescue measures would typically be carried out in a situation like this?「Question 5」 If an attacker knew the ship was flying a South Korean flag, what motive might they have for targeting it?「Question 6」 President Trump announced this morning (the 4th) the launch of “Project Freedom” to support transits through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s military has warned it will attack U.S. forces that enter the area. How do you assess the U.S. transit-support plan and Iran’s stated response? Yonhap News TV — For article inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23, Choi Byung-yun (yoonique@yna.co.kr)