The World : Freighter Hit in Gulf Attack

A Panamanian freighter was hit and set ablaze in a rocket attack in the Persian Gulf, forcing the 18-man crew to abandon ship. The freighter, which was hit by two rockets about 20 miles east of the Qatari island of Halul, was carrying liquefied petroleum gas. One crew member was reported missing. The attack is the first confirmed strike in the Persian Gulf in about two weeks and was in a zone where Iran has been previously blamed for attacks. Iran did claim responsibility, however, for the sinking of an Iraqi frigate off Faw Peninsula of southern Iraq. Tehran radio said the frigate sank “with all on board” but gave no further details. There was no immediate comment from Iraq.