US jet disables cargo ship breaking Iran blockade

US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces disabled a commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Saturday after the ship's crew ignored repeated warnings and attempted to break through the naval blockade imposed on Iran.

An American fighter jet struck the rear section of the M/V Ocean Molica (also known as "Arika Sun"), a Panama-flagged vessel, using precision munitions. The strike completely disabled the ship's propulsion system without injuring the crew. The large cargo vessel had been attempting to navigate the area's waters after departing from an Iranian port.

CENTCOM renewed the American blockade on all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports on July 14. During three months of strict enforcement, four commercial ships have been disabled and 135 vessels have been forced to change course and turn back.

In addition, during the same period US forces destroyed ten tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' shadow network, a network that moves billions of dollars. As Kikar HaShabbat reported, approximately 20 empty Iranian oil tankers are drifting off the coast of Sri Lanka without fuel or food, as part of American pressure on Tehran.

Central Command called on all mariners to heed blockade warnings. Crews are also instructed to continue monitoring "Notice to Mariners" broadcasts and to contact US naval forces on Channel 16, the direct communication channel between ship command bridges, when sailing in the Gulf of Oman and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.

It should be noted that in recent months, ongoing tensions have been escalating in the region. According to reports published in recent days, the British Navy reported that Tehran has increased attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz area, at least ten vessels were hit during the past week. The attacks are being carried out using missiles and drones.