CENTCOM ‘destroys three IRGC oil tankers’ after it says Iran targeted two U.S. Navy warships

In a latest outbreak of hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz area, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says its forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers over the weekend (5 September). This followed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) having launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships patrolling regional waters.

According to CENTCOM, a U.S. aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks. No American personnel were harmed.

Following these attacks, CENTCOM says it “permanently disabled” the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask. American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo (also known as the Noxen) in the Gulf of Oman, striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after the crew was directed to abandon ship (CENTCOM screengrab pictured). The tanker is reported sunk and it is unknown if there were any caualtries in this or the other attacks.

“Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost —taking out three of yours,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.”