US forces disable Gambia-flagged vessel bound for Iran: CENTCOM
US Central Command announced on Saturday that American forces disabled a Gambia-flagged commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman after the crew failed to comply with more than 20 warnings, firing a Hellfire missile into the ship's engine room to enforce the ongoing maritime blockade as a ceasefire with Iran remains in effect.
Maritime interdiction
US Central Command announced on Saturday that American forces disabled a Gambia-flagged commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman that was attempting to sail toward an Iranian port, enforcing blockade measures amid ongoing regional tensions. The operation targeted the M/V Lian Star as it transited international waters on May 29, according to a statement from the command.
US forces issued more than 20 warnings to the vessel's crew and informed them they were violating the US blockade before taking decisive action, CENTCOM said. "A US aircraft disabled the vessel by firing a Hellfire missile into the ship's engine room after Lian Star's crew failed to comply," the command added, noting that the ship is no longer transiting to Iran.
Blockade operations
The incident brings to five the number of commercial vessels disabled by US forces since the blockade was imposed, with an additional 116 ships redirected to ensure full enforcement. CENTCOM noted that these measures remain in place even as a ceasefire with Iran technically remains in effect.
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Washington has maintained strict maritime controls in the strategic waterway, targeting vessels suspected of violating the ongoing blockade. The latest enforcement action occurred despite the technical ceasefire, underscoring continued American commitment to preventing maritime traffic to Iranian ports.
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