Both commercial vessels were near the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. Navy reported that an attempt by Iranian forces to capture two oil tankers was foiled by an American battleship from the U.S. Fifth Fleet in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday.
“The Iranian navy did make attempts to seize commercial tankers lawfully transiting international waters,” said Fifth Fleet Spokesman Commander Tim Hawkins. “The U.S. Navy responded immediately and prevented those seizures.”
The first of the oil tankers sailed under the Marshall Islands flag and the second was Bahrainiian flagged. The tanker from Bahrain was fired upon by Iranians, with bullets piercing the ship’s hull near its living quarters. There were no casualties and no significant damage was incurred.
The U.S. deployed the USS McFaul, a guided-missile destroyer, along with an MQ-9 Reaper drone and a P-8 Poseidon patrol plane to counter the Iranians.
The Fifth Fleet spokesman stated, “Iran’s continued harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional waters are a threat to maritime security and the global economy.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Vice Admiral Charles Cooper as he commands the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and Naval Forces Central Command.
- For General Kurilla as he heads the U.S. Central Command.
- For Secretary Del Toro to seek God’s wisdom as he oversees the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
Sources: American Military News, The Hill, Federal News Network
