The US military carried out a precision strike on the oil tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday. US Central Command confirmed that aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles at the vessel's engine room. This action was part of a wider effort this week to disable several oil tankers for violating a US blockade on Iranian ports.
Three Indian mariners were killed in the attack. The vessel was carrying 24 Indian crew members, 21 of whom have been rescued, according to a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs.
The Indian government has lodged a strong protest following the deaths of its citizens. Washington claims the MT Settebello was carrying oil from Iran, violated the blockade, and failed to comply with military instructions.