Debris analysis shows that Iranian-made drones attacked oil tankers -US Navy According to Reuters
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: The tanker Pacific Zircon is seen at sea near the Isle of Wright, England in this undated documentary photo. David Potter/Release via REUTERS
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. military on Tuesday said debris analysis had concluded that the same type of Iranian drone that Tehran supplied to Russia to invade Ukraine was used to strike. a commercial oil tanker off the coast of Oman a week ago.
Bahrain-based US Navy 5 Fleet has released photos and details of the investigation into the attack on the Liberian-flagged Zircon Pacific tanker, including debris from the plane itself. driver Shahed-136.
In a statement, the Navy said the drone struck a 30-inch (76 cm) wide hole in the back of the ship and the explosive impact damaged boilers, potable water tanks and life rafts on board. ship.
“Iran’s attack on a commercial oil tanker passing through international waters is deliberate, blatant and dangerous, endangering the lives of its crew and destabilizing maritime security in China,” he said. East,” Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the US Navy’s top commander in the Middle East, said in a statement.
Gulf waters in recent years have seen attacks on oil tankers come at a time of rising regional tensions with Iran. In July 2021, a suspected drone attack hit a tanker carrying petroleum products managed by an Israeli company off the coast of Oman. Iran denies that it is responsible.
