CENTCOM Strikes Five IRGC-Linked Tankers in Gulf of Oman Retaliation

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that it destroyed five tankers on 8 September in a second round of attacks after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted a US warship with ballistic missiles.

Vessel KAVIZ, image credit: Valery Balalaev

CENTCOM stated that one of its warships was targeted by the IRGC's ballistic missiles. The vessel reportedly evaded both strikes and has remained on patrol with no injuries to any personnel.

In retaliation, US forces struck and rendered inoperable five IRGC-linked tankers: the Kaviz, Charminar, Horizon 1, and Riesco in the Gulf of Oman, and the Derya near Kharg Island. CENTCOM stated that the crews of all these vessels were alerted to evacuate the ships before they were hit.

CENTCOM stated that the tankers form part of a shadow network whose proceeds fund the IRGC and associated regional organizations.

These strikes on the five vessels come after the first round of attacks by US forces on 5 September, which disabled three tankers.