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US forces fire on ship violating Iran blockade
🇬🇷 Greece /Conflict & Security

US forces fire on ship violating Iran blockade

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The U.S. military fired missiles at a Panama-flagged cargo ship attempting to reach an Iranian port, violating U.S. sanctions.
  • The vessel, Vela Nova, ignored U.S. warnings before helicopter-launched missiles struck its engine room, according to U.S. Central Command.
  • This marks the third instance of U.S. forces using lethal force to enforce the blockade since its reinstatement on July 14, having previously redirected 55 vessels.

U.S. forces fired missiles at a cargo ship attempting to breach the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, the U.S. military announced. The vessel, identified as the Vela Nova and flying a Panama flag, was targeted after its crew ignored American warnings.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that a helicopter launched two missiles at the ship's engine room. This incident is the third time U.S. forces have resorted to lethal force to enforce the blockade since its reintroduction on July 14. CENTCOM reported redirecting 55 vessels during this period.

During the initial enforcement of the blockade from mid-April to mid-June, U.S. forces had previously fired on nine vessels and redirected over 140 others. The military's actions aim to prevent ships from reaching Iranian ports in accordance with U.S. sanctions.

ignored

— U.S. militaryCENTCOM statement on the Vela Nova's actions
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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