U.S. Military Destroys Three IRGC-Linked Oil Tankers Following Attacks on U.S. Warships
The U.S. military announced on Saturday that it targeted and destroyed three oil tankers linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after Iranian forces fired upon U.S. warships.
In a statement on the social media platform "X," U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said: "Following the failed Iranian attacks, U.S. forces permanently disabled two IRGC crude oil tankers: the M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island, and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask."
"U.S. forces also completely destroyed the empty crude oil tanker M/T Kylo in the Gulf of Oman, after targeting the vessel in several critical locations to render it inoperable, following instructions for the crew to abandon ship," the statement added.
CENTCOM released a video showing massive fireballs and flames billowing from the vessels after being struck by projectiles.
According to CENTCOM, the three targeted tankers were "part of a multi-billion dollar shadow network funding the IRGC and its proxies in the region."
"Iran has no means to defend them," the command added.
CENTCOM confirmed that no U.S. service members were injured after a U.S. destroyer and an aircraft carrier "successfully evaded multiple and unprovoked Iranian attacks."