CNN: US forces disable tanker in Gulf of Oman

US forces disabled a tanker in the Gulf of Oman on July 24 after its crew allegedly attempted at least four times to breach the US naval blockade of Iran, a US military official told CNN.

The crew was repeatedly warned but failed to comply, according to the official. US forces subsequently fired into the ship’s engine room, disabling the vessel and preventing it from continuing toward Iran.

The incident marks the first time US forces have disabled a commercial vessel since Washington reimposed its naval blockade earlier this month.

US Central Command has previously said that 12 commercial vessels have been redirected since the blockade was reinstated.

By Sabina Mammadli