CENTCOM destroys 3 IRGC oil tankers after Iran targets 2 US Navy warships

U.S. Central Command forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers on Sept. 5 after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships patrolling regional waters, CENTCOM said.

A U.S. aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer evaded multiple attacks, and no American personnel were harmed.

CENTCOM said its forces permanently disabled the M/T Downy off Kharg Island and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask. U.S. forces also destroyed the unladen M/T Kylo, also known as the Noxen, in the Gulf of Oman. The crew was directed to abandon the vessel before it was struck in multiple critical locations.

CENTCOM described the tankers as part of a multibillion-dollar network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies.

“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.”