The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has claimed responsibility of the attack on Guinea-Bissau flagged vessel M/T Jalveer with Indian crew members.
This was the third US military attack on commercial vessels with Indian crew members in the Strait of Hormuz.
“U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman at 11:20 p.m. ET on June 10 after the vessel violated the blockade against Iran by attempting to transport Iranian oil, marking the third commercial ship disabled by American forces this week,” the CENTCOM said.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed that the vess Jalveer was attacked after kt attempted to transport oil from Iran through the Gulf of Oman.
“A U.S. aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from U.S. forces,” it added.
Earlier this week, the US military targeted Palau-flagged vessels M/T Marivex and M/T Settebello on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. While all the crew members of Marivex were rescued, three Indian seafarers on boars vessel Settebello were killed in the attack.
India had condemned the attack and reportedly summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks to lodge its protest over the incident.
In a statement, India’s Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello.”
“Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified,” he said.
“I have directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites,” he added.