CENTCOM says U.S. strikes three Iranian crude oil tankers
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday that U.S. forces struck three Iranian crude oil tankers after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles at two U.S. Navy warships.
CENTCOM said the U.S. aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer evaded multiple Iranian attacks, with no American personnel harmed.
The command said U.S. forces permanently disabled the M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask.
It added that U.S. forces destroyed the unladen M/T Kylo, also known as the Noxen, in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was ordered to abandon the vessel.
CENTCOM said the three tankers were part of what it described as a multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies.
CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the U.S. would continue to defend its forces and could target Iran’s oil fleet if necessary.