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US military stops sixth ship trying to breach Iran blockade, disabling Gambia-flagged vessel with precision missile strike
The US military has stopped another merchant vessel trying to break through the American blockade of Iranian ports. The Gambia-flagged bulk carrier ignored twenty warnings before being disabled by a Hellfire missile in the Gulf of Oman.
The US military has stopped a sixth merchant vessel attempting to breach the American blockade of Iranian ports. The Gambia-flagged bulk carrier ignored twenty warnings from US forces overnight as it tried to enter an Iranian port, according to officials speaking to the Associated Press.
US aircraft launched a precision Hellfire missile strike into the ship's engine compartment, disabling the vessel without setting it ablaze or sinking it. The ship is currently adrift in the Gulf of Oman. Military analysts described the gunnery as very impressive, noting that many countries would not be capable of such precise disabling fire.
US forces did not board the vessel after disabling it, as officials determined there was no immediate need for a vessel boarding search and seizure operation. Such operations carry inherent risks and are avoided when not strictly necessary.
US Central Command confirmed that forces continue to enforce the blockade against Iran, with commercial vessels being redirected to ensure no commerce enters or leaves Iranian ports. Since the blockade began, one hundred and sixteen ships have been redirected from Iranian waters.
Military analysts noted that while the blockade has been largely effective, some ships have managed to get through, describing it as not an ironclad blockade. Iran has been testing the system to find potential gaps in enforcement. The economic impact of the strait closure continues to affect global oil prices and has been a major topic at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Asia.