US Forces Strike and Disable MT Jalveer Tanker Carrying Indian Crew in Gulf of Oman

United States forces have attacked and disabled a commercial oil tanker, the MT Jalveer, in the Gulf of Oman, after the vessel allegedly violated a blockade by attempting to transport Iranian oil. The military strike, which took place off the coast of Oman at 11:20 pm on June 10, involved a ship carrying Indian seafarers.

According to an official statement released by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday, June 11, the action was taken after the tanker's crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from US forces. A US aircraft fired two precision-guided Hellfire missiles directly into the MT Jalveer's engine room, disabling the ship.

Following the missile strike, the MT Jalveer caught on fire. Visuals circulating online showed dense smoke rising from the vessel. The tanker reportedly had 20 crew members on board when the incident occurred. The Oman Coast Guard dispatched a rescue boat several hours later to assist those aboard the vessel.

This strike marks the third commercial vessel linked to Indian crew members to be disabled by American forces in the region within a span of four days.

According to CENTCOM, the blockade is being enforced "impartially" against vessels from all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas. This includes ports on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Since initiating the blockade on April 13, CENTCOM forces have disabled nine non-compliant vessels in the region. The military command also stated that it has redirected 135 ships that complied with its orders, and allowed 42 vessels supporting humanitarian aid to pass.