IRGC claims it hit "US-owned" commercial vessel with cruise missile
Tehran, June 2
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed responsibility for targeting a Panama-flagged container ship, identifying the vessel as the "US-owned" MSC Sariska V, with a cruise missile, according to reports in the Iranian media.
The operation by the IRGC was executed in direct retaliation for a previous offensive targeting an Iranian vessel in proximity to the coast of Oman.
This claim comes as a cargo vessel transiting the Arabian Gulf was struck by an unidentified projectile on Monday, triggering a large explosion off the coast of Iraq and prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British maritime security monitoring organisation, the vessel was hit on its starboard side while travelling approximately 40 nautical miles (74km) southeast of Umm Qasr. The maritime security agency stated that the impact was followed by a significant explosion.
While providing these details, the UKMTO noted that it has not yet confirmed the specific identity of the vessel that was hit.
The security body reported that the crew on board the affected vessel survived the attack without sustaining any injuries, and the ship itself was able to continue its journey to the next port of call. The UKMTO further said it was not aware of any environmental damage resulting from the incident and confirmed that authorities were investigating.
The maritime vessel was subsequently identified as the Panama-flagged MSC SARISKA V, according to a Gulf News report citing Iraq's Alsumaria News. The network stated that the ship sustained an explosion within Iraqi territorial waters in the vicinity of buoy number five following the conclusion of cargo unloading operations at Umm Qasr Port.
Yet, in sharp contrast to the IRGC's claims of a missile strike, preliminary assessments concerning the blast pointed to an internal mechanical malfunction rather than an offensive strike originating from outside the vessel.
Citing a security source, the broadcaster reported that investigative leads showed no evidence to suggest that the ship had been deliberately targeted by hostile actors.
The report also confirmed that the onboard personnel escaped without any reported casualties, noting that structural impacts appeared to be strictly confined to the vessel itself.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, the conflicting reports are concerning. IRGC claims they hit it with a missile, but preliminary investigations suggest it was an internal mechanical issue. Someone is definitely not telling the full story here. India should stay neutral and focus on protecting our own maritime interests.
This is classic geopolitical posturing. IRGC wants to show strength, US wants to downplay. Meanwhile, innocent crew members could have lost their lives. Thank God they're safe. But why must innocent civilians always be caught in the crossfire? 😠
As an Indian, I remember how Iran helped us during the 1971 war. But this unprovoked aggression on a commercial vessel is unacceptable. Our foreign policy must balance relations with both Iran and the US carefully. Difficult situation for MEA. 🕊️
I'm sorry but how can IRGC claim responsibility while local Iraqi authorities say it was a mechanical fault? Either someone is lying or there's a major miscommunication. Either way, this is destabilising for the entire region. India must use its diplomatic channels to de-escalate.
The crew being safe is the only good news here. But this shows how fragile maritime security is in the Gulf. With so many Indian sailors working on international vessels, this directly affects us. Time for stronger Indian naval presence in the region. 🇮🇳
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