US launches missiles at cargo ship in Gulf of Oman

The U.S. military recently fired missiles at a cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman that attempted to violate a naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports.

In a statement posted on social media on May 30, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its naval units present in the Gulf of Oman on May 29 had "neutralized" a Gambian-flagged cargo ship attempting to dock at an Iranian port.

The US warship USS Pinckney observes the cargo ship. Photo: CENTCOM

“CENTCOM forces observed the cargo ship M/V Lian Star transiting international waters toward an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman. We issued more than 20 warnings and notifications that the ship was violating the U.S. blockade. U.S. fighter jets fired Hellfire missiles at the engine room of the M/V Lian Star to disable the vessel after the crew disobeyed orders. The ship has not continued its journey to Iran,” the statement read.

CENTCOM later revealed that U.S. forces had fired on five cargo ships and forced 116 others to change course “since the blockade went into effect.”

According to a map provided by the maritime website Marine Traffic, the M/V Lian Star is located more than 30km east of the coast of Oman.

Photo: Marine Traffic

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/my-phong-ten-lua-vao-tau-hang-o-vinh-oman-2521193.html