Three Indian sailors dead after US strike on vessel off Oman
Quick Look
- Three Indian sailors are confirmed dead after a US precision strike on the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman.
- India's foreign ministry summoned a top US diplomat to lodge a strong protest.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
A US military strike on the Palau-flagged commercial vessel MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors. The US stated the strike was a precision strike on the engine room after the crew failed to comply with directions.
Three Indian sailors on a commercial vessel hit by the United States off the coast of Oman are dead, New Delhi’s shipping minister said on Thursday.
“It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello,” Sarbananda Sonowal said in a statement, referring to the strike on the vessel a day earlier.
“Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified.”
India’s foreign ministry summoned a top US diplomat in Delhi after the US attack on Wednesday on MT Settebello to lodge “a strong protest”.
The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said a US aircraft had carried out a precision strike on the Palau-flagged oil products tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman.
It “fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces”, CENTCOM said.
Open Questions
- Why did the crew of MT Settebello fail to comply with directions from American forces?
- What specific directions were given to the crew?
- What were the circumstances leading up to the US decision to strike the vessel?
- What is the US stance on compensation or further investigation into the incident?
