US strikes third Indian oil tanker in four days near Oman; 20 Indian sailors rescued after missile attack
PTC Web Desk: The US on Thursday targeted an oil tanker carrying an Indian crew in the Gulf of Oman, marking the third such incident involving Indian-manned vessels in less than a week and adding to growing tensions in the strategically vital maritime corridor.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker MT Jalveer was struck after allegedly failing to comply with repeated instructions from American forces while transporting oil from Iran through the Gulf of Oman.
In a statement, CENTCOM said an American military aircraft fired two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles at the vessel's engine room, disabling the tanker. The US military maintained that the action was part of an ongoing blockade aimed at preventing the movement of Iranian oil through regional waters.
"The blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas," CENTCOM said, adding that the crew had repeatedly ignored directives issued by US forces.
The Government of India confirmed that all 20 Indian sailors aboard MT Jalveer were safely rescued following the strike.
The incident follows two similar attacks on Indian-crewed tankers earlier this week. On Monday, US forces targeted MT Marivax, while MT Settebello came under attack on Tuesday. Both vessels were operating under the Palau flag and had Indian nationals among their crew members.
The attack on MT Settebello drew particular concern after reports suggested that three of its 24 Indian sailors were killed when the vessel was hit by precision-guided munitions while transiting through the Gulf of Oman.
India reacted strongly to the Settebello incident, summoning US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks and issuing a formal diplomatic protest. The move represented one of New Delhi's strongest responses to Washington during President Donald Trump's second term.
Unlike some vessels earlier sanctioned by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), MT Settebello was reportedly not included on any American blacklist, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding the strike.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the repeated attacks on commercial vessels operating in the region.
"The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome," the MEA said in a statement.
India also called for the protection of commercial shipping routes and stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.
"The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end. Free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways should be restored at the earliest," the ministry added.
- With inputs from agencies
