US Military Destroys Three Iranian Oil Tankers Linked to IRGC
The US military has taken action against three Iranian oil tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to Central Command, the vessels were struck and destroyed after coming under fire from Iranian forces. The targeted ships included M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask, as well as the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo in the Gulf of Oman.
The US military claimed that these vessels were part of a 'multibillion-dollar shadow network' that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies. CENTCOM stated that Iran has no means to defend these ships, rendering them vulnerable to attack.
Video footage released by Central Command showed the destruction of the tankers, with huge fireballs and thick plumes of flames erupting as projectiles struck the vessels.