S. Korea to Conduct Additional Probe into Cargo Ship Strike in Strait of Hormuz

SEOUL, May 14 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Thursday the government will conduct an additional investigation into a recent strike on a South Korean-operated cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz and pursue necessary diplomatic response measures. Speaking with reporters ahead of the first anniversary of the Lee Jae Myung administration, Cho said the government is maintaining close communication and coordination with major countries over the ongoing Middle East conflict. "We will conduct an additional government-level investigation into the attack on the HMM Namu and take necessary response measures accordingly," Cho said. The minister added the government intends "to continue consultations with relevant nations, based on our position that attacks on civilian vessels, including the HMM Namu, can never be justified or tolerated under any circumstances." A government investigation team concluded a strike by two unidentified flying objects caused an explosion and fire aboard the Panama-flagged cargo vessel operated by South Korean shipping firm HMM Co. on May 4. The presidential office said it is working to determine who was behind the attack. Cho added the government will pursue "agile and multifaceted efforts" to turn the crisis into an opportunity amid heightened geopolitical uncertainties.