US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers in Retaliation for Missile Attack
The US military has taken action against three Iranian oil tankers in response to an attempted missile attack on two US Navy warships. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that the IRGC fired ballistic missiles toward the US ships patrolling regional waters, but they were evaded by a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer.
No American personnel were hurt in the incident, which marked another escalation in the conflict between the US and Tehran. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said that 'If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost -- taking out three of yours.'
The M/T Downy was permanently disabled off Kharg Island, while the M/T Stark 1 near Jask and the unladen M/T Kylo (also known as the Noxen) in the Gulf of Oman were 'completely destroyed'.