The US military has struck an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, causing it to become disabled. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) accused the vessel of attempting to transport oil from Iran, thereby violating the US naval blockade. The tanker, named 'Settebelov' and flagged in Palau, failed to comply with repeated US directives. Consequently, a US aircraft fired 'precision-guided munitions' at the ship's engine room.
The Indian government reported that three Indian sailors are missing following the attack on the Settebelov near the Omani coast. However, 21 Indian crew members were successfully rescued. The Indian government emphasized the need to cease attacks on commercial ships and civilian infrastructure in the region.
The US military has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports following Tehran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict. Approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas supply is transported through the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM stated that since the blockade began on April 13, US forces have disabled eight ships and redirected 134 others.
Indian officials informed the BBC that following the latest incident, the Indian government summoned the US Deputy Chief of Mission in Delhi. Earlier this week, US forces also targeted another Palau-flagged oil tanker with Indian crew members. CENTCOM reported that the 'Maryvex' tanker was fired upon in the Gulf of Oman after failing to comply with US directives.
Indian authorities confirmed that Omani military forces rescued all 24 crew members from the latest attacked ship.
