U.S. Military Takes Action Against Oil Tanker Near Iran
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military recently disabled a tanker that was trying to bypass the American blockade of Iran. A U.S. official revealed that the ship had ignored nearly 60 warnings before the military took action. This included multiple warnings from aircraft that involved flares and flyovers, as well as two last-ditch alerts before the ship was fired upon.
Earlier this week, an American aircraft targeted the engine room of the vessel, known as M/T Settebello, which is flagged in Palau. Tragically, the incident resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors, according to officials in India.
The U.S. official described the Settebello as part of a “shadow fleet” that has been involved in the illegal transfer of Iranian oil and trying to sidestep sanctions. The official noted that U.S. forces had communicated with this ship multiple times over a two-week period before the disabling event.
U.S. Central Command stated they allowed the crew 15 minutes to leave the engine room before firing the shots that incapacitated the vessel. They emphasized that after being positioned for over 60 days, it should be evident that U.S. forces are committed to strictly enforcing the blockade.
In response to the incident, India’s foreign ministry has expressed strong objections to the U.S. actions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed to his Indian counterpart that all commercial vessels must heed U.S. orders to help maintain peace and security in the Strait.
