The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that the tanker “M/T Marivex,” which was reportedly heading toward an Iranian port, has been neutralized in the Gulf of Oman.
According to sea-news.az the tanker, sailing under the Palau flag, was stopped on June 8 during an operation conducted by U.S. military forces. CENTCOM stated that the vessel was attempting to enter an Iranian port in violation of an existing blockade.
According to the statement, an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet launched from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln struck the tanker’s engine and steering compartments with precision-guided munitions after the vessel failed to comply with instructions issued by U.S. military forces. As a result, the ship lost its ability to maneuver and was prevented from continuing its voyage toward Iran.
CENTCOM further reported that since April 13, seven vessels attempting to violate the blockade have been neutralized, 134 vessels have been forced to alter their routes, while 42 humanitarian aid ships have been allowed to pass.
The incident has heightened concerns over the security of international shipping routes amid growing tensions in the region.
