New Delhi, Jun 11 (V7N) – The Indian government has reported that three Indian sailors are missing after a US military strike targeted an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. Authorities said 21 other crew members aboard the vessel were successfully rescued following the incident.
According to a statement posted on social media by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the Palau-flagged vessel Settebello was repeatedly instructed to comply with directions issued by US forces. CENTCOM claimed that the ship failed to respond to those instructions, prompting a US aircraft to launch what it described as “precision missiles” at the vessel’s engine room.
Following the attack, Indian authorities confirmed that three Indian nationals remain unaccounted for. New Delhi also called for an immediate halt to attacks targeting civilian ships and critical infrastructure, expressing concern over the safety of commercial maritime operations in the region.
CENTCOM stated that it has conducted multiple maritime operations since restrictions on shipping around Iranian ports intensified amid the ongoing regional crisis. According to the command, eight vessels have been immobilized and another 134 ships have been forced to alter their routes.
Indian officials noted that a similar incident occurred earlier this week involving another Palau-flagged oil tanker. In that case, all crew members were rescued after the vessel was reportedly targeted for allegedly ignoring instructions from US forces.
The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where military operations and disruptions to commercial shipping have raised concerns over maritime security and the safety of international trade routes.
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