Disabled oil tanker received warnings before US fired, AP source says
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- The U.S. military disabled the tanker M/T Settebello after it ignored nearly 60 verbal warnings and multiple shows of force, including flares and flyovers, while attempting to run the U.S. blockade of Iran.
- The vessel, described as part of a shadow fleet used to illegally transfer Iranian oil and evade sanctions, was targeted in the Gulf of Oman, resulting in the deaths of three Indian sailors.
- U.S. forces communicated with the ship dozens of times over two weeks and gave the crew 15 minutes to evacuate the engine room before firing precision munitions to disable the vessel.
- The U.S. Central Command emphasized its strict enforcement of the blockade, while India lodged a strong protest with the United States over the incident.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged India to ensure all commercial vessels comply immediately with U.S. orders to maintain peace and security in the Strait.
