Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 11: American forces struck another Indian-crewed oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday, marking the third such incident involving Indian sailors in the region within four days amid Washington's enforcement of a naval blockade against Iranian oil exports.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker M/T Jalveer was hit by two Hellfire missiles after allegedly failing to comply with directions issued by US forces.
In a statement, CENTCOM said an American aircraft fired the missiles into the vessel's engine room as it attempted to transport oil from Iran through the Gulf of Oman.
“US Central Command acted against Guinea-Bissau-flagged M/T Jalveer as it attempted to transport oil from Iran through the Gulf of Oman. A US aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles into the ship's engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from US forces,” the statement said.
The US military maintained that the blockade was being enforced “impartially against vessels of all nations” entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
There were 20 Indian sailors on board M/T Jalveer at the time of the attack. All crew members were rescued and taken safely to Shinas port in Oman, according to official sources.
The strike follows similar US actions against the Palau-flagged tankers M/T Marivax and M/T Settebello earlier this week. While all 24 Indian crew members aboard M/T Marivax were rescued, three Indian sailors on M/T Settebello were killed after the vessel came under attack on Wednesday.
India strongly condemned the attack on M/T Settebello and summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks in New Delhi to lodge a formal protest.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the repeated attacks on commercial shipping as deeply concerning.
“The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest,” the MEA said.
The attacks are linked to the US-led blockade imposed on Iranian ports and shipping routes on Apr 13 following the collapse of peace talks aimed at ending the wider conflict involving Iran.
The blockade applies to vessels of all nationalities entering or leaving Iranian ports. Ships suspected of carrying Iranian oil may be warned, diverted, boarded, seized or disabled through precision strikes if they repeatedly fail to comply with US instructions.
CENTCOM said US forces have so far intercepted or redirected dozens of vessels and disabled several ships as part of the enforcement campaign.
While Washington claims the blockade has reduced Iranian oil exports, the operation has heightened risks for commercial shipping in the region, increased insurance and energy costs, and raised diplomatic concerns among countries whose nationals serve as crew members aboard affected vessels.
The latest attack on M/T Jalveer has further intensified concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers working in one of the world's busiest and most strategically important maritime corridors.