The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that it destroyed an Iranian-affiliated dhow that was conducting reconnaissance operations in the Sea of Oman.
In a post on the social media platform X early Thursday, October 15, CENTCOM stated the vessel was destroyed on October 6. The U.S. military claimed the Iranian dhow was engaged in surveillance and targeting of U.S. Navy ships in the area.
The CENTCOM statement noted that before the vessel was destroyed, its crew was safely removed. Efforts are reportedly underway to return the crew members. The exact number and nationality of the crew were not disclosed.
This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions between Iran and the United States over control of strategic waterways in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. and its allies accuse Iran of disrupting maritime security.
CENTCOM further alleged that over the past seven months, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has "continued to indiscriminately target thousands of civilian mariners" transiting the region's waters.
Iran has not yet officially responded to CENTCOM's claim. Tehran typically describes its military activities in the region as defensive and a response to the U.S. military presence. This event could lead to a further escalation of tensions between the two nations.
Source: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)
🌐
