U.S. forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers on September 8 after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attempted to strike a U.S. Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice over two days, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The American warship reportedly evaded both attacks, and no U.S. personnel were injured.

CENTCOM identified the vessels as M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1, M/T Riesco, and M/T Derya. Kaviz, Charminar, Horizon 1, and Riesco were struck in the Gulf of Oman, while Derya was targeted near Kharg Island. CENTCOM said the crews were instructed to abandon their vessels before U.S. forces carried out the strikes and rendered the tankers inoperable.

The latest attacks come amid escalating military activity affecting commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and waters surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Separate incidents involving merchant vessels have also been reported in the region, increasing security concerns for ships and crews operating near areas affected by the continuing U.S.-Iran conflict.

All seafarers operating or scheduled to transit the region are advised to remain alert and closely follow instructions from their masters, company security officers, flag States, and relevant maritime authorities. Crews should monitor official maritime security advisories and voyage updates, particularly when sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, and Gulf of Oman, as the security situation may change rapidly.CENTCOM directly confirms the five tanker strikes, the attempted ballistic-missile attacks, the locations, and the order for crews to abandon ship. ⁠ Reuters also reports that merchant vessels have since been caught in further attacks around the Gulf and Gulf of Oman. ⁠