US strikes cargo vessel attempting to breach naval blockade on Iran
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces struck a commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Oct. 10 after the ship’s crew allegedly ignored repeated warnings and attempted to run the ongoing naval blockade against Iran.
According to an official statement released by CENTCOM, a US military fighter jet struck the stern of the Panama-flagged M/V Ocean Molica -also known as the "Arika Sun"- using a precision munition.
The strike fully disabled the large cargo vessel's propulsion system allegedly without harming any members of the crew.
Military officials claimed that the vessel was attempting to transit regional waters after having previously departed an Iranian port.
135 ships turned around
The action marks the latest interdiction under America's naval blockade against all ships entering or departing Iranian ports, which CENTCOM forces resumed enforcing on July 14.
Over three months of strict enforcement, US forces have struck four commercial vessels and turned around 135 ships attempting to access or depart Iranian maritime facilities.
Additionally, CENTCOM claimed that US forces have destroyed 10 tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) multibillion-dollar shadow network during the same timeframe.
CENTCOM advised all commercial mariners operating in the region to strictly heed blockade warnings, monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts, and maintain active communications with US naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when navigating the Gulf of Oman and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.
