South Korea Condemns Attack on Namu in Strait of Hormuz

SEOUL - South Korea's presidential office strongly condemned on Monday an attack on the cargo ship Namu in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month, pledging a response once the source is identified.

The vessel, operated by HMM Co., was struck in waters off the United Arab Emirates, where it was complying with all applicable rules, according to a Blue House official. The incident caused damage to the port stern and sparked a fire in the engine room. South Korean officials and experts conducted an initial forensic analysis of the damage at a port in Dubai, where the injury was first identified due to its location on the lower stern, previously obscured from view.

"We condemn this in the strongest terms," presidential national security adviser Wi Sung-lac said at a news briefing. He noted that the attack targeted a commercial vessel and offered no justification.

Officials declined to specify any role Iran may have played. Tehran has previously denied responsibility for the strike, which involved a strong impact on the ship's side. On Monday, Iran's embassy in South Korea stated it had no position on the matter but would provide updates if an official stance emerged.