The US forces confirmed striking a third oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman overnight, alleging the vessel was attempting to transport Iranian oil in violation of an American blockade.
According to a statement by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the US forces targeted a Guinea-Bissau flagged tanker, M/T Jalveer, which had 20 Indian seafarers on board, as informed by India’s shipping ministry.
It further stated that a US aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles into the ship’s engine room after the crew allegedly did not comply with repeated instructions from US forces. It further claimed that the vessel was part of a series of “non-compliant” ships intercepted during ongoing enforcement operations in the region.
The command stated that since April 13, its forces have disabled nine non-compliant vessels, redirected 135 compliant ships, and allowed 42 vessels carrying humanitarian assistance to pass through the area.
A day earlier, another ship was attacked, resulting in the deaths of three Indian sailors, while 21 crew members were rescued.
India summoned the US chargé d’affaires following the incident, but no formal statement of protest against the United States has been issued so far.
Also Read: US Air Force strikes Indian oil tanker in Gulf of Oman: Reuters
