BOARDING THE SAVIZ

            Yesterday, I read an article that states “Trump to sanction Iranian ship, ‘Saviz’ for role in Houthi attacks in Red Sea”. Now, I had talked about this ship just a week ago or so and it’s clear now, everyone seems to know its real role. Some say it’s a surveillance platform Iran has parked in the Red Sea. Okay, that in itself is not that unusual. Everyone has “observation platforms”, everywhere. But, then the more logical story comes back to the surface. The Saviz is a “Support Ship”. It’s an operational platform used to provide weapons to the fight in Yemen. The reality is, the ship is most likely both. The other reality is, it’s a Goldmine.

The Taking of Saviz.1…2…3.

            After reading this article, my opinion did not change. “Sink it”. It’s an operational platform in a contested conflict that has played a part in attacking two oil tankers…..sink it! Send the message. As a matter of fact, I almost wrote this post with the title of, “Sink the Saviz ”. Yep. A rip off of a great movie.  Just as I was putting my thoughts together, a far better idea came into my head and it’s an idea I guarantee you the IC world thought of as well. Don’t’ sink the Saviz, board it! Give the Mullahs their version of the January 2016 event with the US Navy. Board the ship, take the crew and search the ship.

Search. Now that’s where the Goldmine comes into play. Just think of the intelligence that’s on that ship? Yes, the IC folks have most likely sucked every electronic signal that could possibly come from the Saviz, but people have a very hard time accepting captured electronics. Pictures. Pictures and the statements from the crew. That is what would do the most damage to Tehran. The story of the US and its regional Allies boarding the Saviz would be a stop the presses moment. It might even make CNN and MSNBC come off the Trumpophobia for a few minutes, at least until they could blame him for stoking the fears of war with Iran. By the way, I have to believe Saudi would love this idea, if they have not already thought about it. What’s onboard that ship? Weapons, Missiles, the same type used to attack the oil tankers? Again, the IC most likely knows given this ship has been watched for over a year and here is another, “by the way”. The Saviz was sanctioned before the Obama 2015, “deal” and the US lifted the sanctions as part of the “deal”. Go figure.

Can the US actually board the Saviz? Is it legal? Can the argument be made the ship was involved on the attack of the two oil tankers? If so, and I bet the evidence is there, it just has to be declassified, then you bet. Not only can it be boarded and the crew taken into custody, the ship can be impounded as well. Now, some of you are probably saying, “ya….but will the Iranians allow the ship to be boarded”? If you asked that, then you don’t understand the capabilities of the US Navy. The fact of the matter is, the scenario of boarding and taking the Saviz has most likely already been drawn up and rehearsed over and over again. That’s how the Navy does business. If Team Trump gives the order to the SecDef, the Savis will be boarded. It does have one option, it can blow itself up. If it has a skilled crew, and the crew is most likely IRGC, and given what it’s mission is, the plan to scuttle the ship is there. The issue becomes, do they have time to do it, or does someone, who is somewhere else, have the ability to flip the switch. Iran sees the mission coming and sinks their own ship and as it’s going under, the accusations fly the US and it’s allies attacked an Iranian flagged cargo vessel. All of this makes boarding the Saviz a very sensitive issue and that sensitivity could be why the boarding has not taken place yet….not……yet. As a matter of fact, I would be willing to bet, that is exactly why it’s not happened, but the mission is ready, on that you can rest assured.  This ship is a twofer. It’s intelligence value is extremely high, but it’s political leverage is amazing. Just imagine the consequences for Iran if the proof is shown? The story of The Donald placing sanctions on the Saviz once again, seems illogical, unless that sanction means it can no longer sit in the chokepoint of the Red Sea. If that is true and the message is given that it must leave, then the clock starts for a different type of showdown. As for me, I would place my money on tasking the Seals and perhaps a few Delta Boys, they both love this type of mission, to take that ship without anyone knowing until it’s too late. The Saviz. This little ship could become a big part of history, but only if the gains outweigh the risk. From the US Navy's perspective.....it's an opportunity for a little "pay back Time".