U.S. Fighter Jet Disables Cargo Vessel in Gulf of Oman
U.S. military disabled a cargo ship attempting to bypass naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman.
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U.S. forces disabled a cargo vessel attempting to bypass a naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman on Saturday, according to Central Command (CENTCOM). The incident occurred after the ship’s crew ignored repeated warnings from U.S. military authorities.
A U.S. fighter jet struck the Panama-flagged M/V Ocean Molica, also known as the “Arika Sun,” with a precision munition, fully disabling its propulsion system without harming any crew members. The vessel was attempting to transit through regional waters after having previously departed an Iranian port.
Blockade Enforcement Continues
CENTCOM resumed the naval blockade against all ships entering or departing Iranian ports on July 14. Over the past three months, four commercial vessels have been disabled, and 135 ships have been turned around during strict enforcement. Additionally, U.S. forces have destroyed 10 tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ shadow network during the same period.
Trump Announces No Attacks on Iran Before Midterms
President Trump announced on Thursday that the U.S. will not be attacking Iran prior to the midterm elections. “While Iran is in very bad condition, both economically and militarily, and while the blockade will remain in full force, we will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections to be held in the United States on November 3rd,” Trump said.
Trump emphasized that oil continues to flow through the Strait of Hormuz in record numbers, with 22 million barrels passing through the region the previous night, none of which came from or went to Iran.
All mariners are advised to heed blockade warnings from CENTCOM forces. Crews should also continue to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact U.S. naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz approaches.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
