US military strikes three Iranian oil tankers
Photo: CNN
The US military has said it carried out strikes on three Iranian crude oil tankers. It claimed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired ballistic missiles at two US Navy warships. The strikes were carried out in response.
The Iranian government did not immediately comment. However, Iranian state media reported that US forces had attacked a tanker near Kharg Island, a key location for the country’s oil industry.
In a statement, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said, “A US aircraft carrier and guided missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple attacks by Iran.” It claimed that the IRGC’s crude oil tankers, M/T Downey and M/T Stark 1, had been rendered inoperable.
CENTCOM said, “The crew of the crude oil tanker M/T Kylo in the Gulf of Oman was ordered to abandon the vessel. The ship was then struck at multiple critical locations and rendered completely inoperable. It was carrying no cargo.”
CENTCOM claimed that all three vessels were used to fund the IRGC and its regional proxy groups.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said, “Our message to the IRGC is clear. If you fire on our two ships, we will cause even greater economic damage. Your three ships will be destroyed.”
Sources: Reuters and CNN (Adapted)
