U.S. Military Destroys 16 Iranian Minelayers as Ships Come Under Fire in Hormuz
Several cargo vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz were struck by projectiles Wednesday, escalating tensions in one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency, at least three commercial ships were hit near the strait — a narrow passage that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil trade.
One of the vessels, the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree, caught fire after being struck by two projectiles, with three crew members reported missing, Reuters reported.
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The attacks unfolded as U.S. forces conducted strikes on Iranian naval assets believed to be laying sea mines in the region, destroying multiple vessels including 16 minelayers, according to U.S. Central Command.
Two additional ships — the container vessel ONE Majesty and the bulk carrier Star Gwyneth — were also damaged in separate incidents but remained afloat.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned that ships connected to the U.S. or its allies could be targeted as fighting intensifies, raising fears of a wider maritime crisis in the Persian Gulf.
The incidents are already rattling energy markets and global shipping routes.
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