The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the Saint Kitts-flagged merchant vessel M/V Huda was targeted in the Gulf of Oman. In its announcement dated November 7, the command argued that the vessel's "civilian crew ignored repeated warnings" and attempted to violate the maritime blockade against Iran multiple times.
CENTCOM also shared footage on its social media account, which it stated was of the moment of the attack. According to the statement, the crew was instructed to abandon the sections that would be struck; subsequently, a US military aircraft fired precision-guided munitions at the rear section of the vessel.
It was reported that the M/V Huda was rendered immobile as a result of the attack. It was stated that the vessel was attempting to leave regional waters after visiting an Iranian port. CENTCOM's statement did not provide information regarding whether there were any deaths or injuries in the incident.
The command emphasized that the maritime blockade against Iran continues, reporting that since July, 147 merchant vessels that complied with instructions were diverted, while five merchant vessels that refused to comply with warnings were neutralized.
CENTCOM also alleged that 10 Iranian commercial oil tankers, which it claimed were part of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' "shadow network," had been destroyed previously. The command called on mariners sailing near the Iranian coast and in surrounding waters to comply with the blockade warnings issued by US forces.
News Source: 12punto
