US helicopter fired on ship that tried to break Iran ports blockade
The US military said it fired missiles at a Panama-flagged cargo ship trying to reach Iran, marking the third vessel stopped during the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports.
On August 11, the US military announced it had fired missiles at a Panama-flagged cargo ship attempting to break through the American blockade of Iran's ports. This incident marks the third time in recent months that the US has forcibly halted a vessel since reinstating the ports blockade on July 14. The US Navy MH-60 helicopter targeted the M/V Vela Nova after its civilian crew disregarded multiple warnings from American forces.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the vessel is no longer transiting to Iran in violation of the US blockade. This action is the third forced halt in a months-long US war against Iran. As of Tuesday, CENTCOM had redirected 55 ships that attempted to run the blockade and boarded two others. Previously, from April 13 to June 18, the US had blocked Iranian ports, disabling nine ships and diverting over 140, according to CENTCOM.
Iran has called for an end to the US ports blockade as part of its conditions to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for oil and gas shipments prior to the conflict. Traffic in the area has dropped significantly due to Iran's attacks on vessels in the region.
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Also reported by 2 other outlets
- US helicopter fired on ship that tried to break Iran ports blockade nst.com.my
- US helicopter fires on ship trying to break Iran ports blockade freemalaysiatoday.com
