Daijiworld Meida Network – Washington

Washington, Apr 25: In an unusual incident, a US Navy sailor headed for a minesweeping mission in the Strait of Hormuz was withdrawn after reportedly being scratched by a monkey during a stopover in Thailand, according to a media report.

The sailor, an electronics technician aboard the USS Chief, was reportedly in Phuket when the incident occurred. He was later evacuated to the ship’s forward base in Sasebo, Japan, for treatment.

Officials cited in the report said the sailor is in stable condition and the incident has not affected the vessel’s operational mission.

The episode has drawn attention within naval circles given the already high-risk nature of minesweeping operations. One military official reportedly described the incident as an “unknown unknown”, underscoring the unpredictability of operational disruptions.

While the species involved was not confirmed, long-tailed macaques, common in Thailand, are known for aggressive behaviour.

The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where US military activity has intensified following President Donald Trump’s warning that any vessel attempting to lay mines in the strategic waterway would be targeted.

Trump had said US mine-sweepers were operating in the region and warned there would be “no hesitation” in responding to threats in the strait.

Iran, meanwhile, has rejected US pressure and has maintained its position on restricting access through the crucial shipping route in response to Western economic measures.