Navy F/A-18 Disables Iranian Tanker With 20mm Cannon Fire
A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet disabled an Iranian-flagged commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman this week after the vessel failed to comply with repeated warnings from American forces enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The tanker, identified as MT Hasna, an Iranian-flagged oil vessel, was en route to a port in Iran via the Gulf of Oman when the incident occurred on Wednesday, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The F/A-18 targeted the ship’s rudder using its 20mm cannon, rendering the vessel unable to continue its voyage.
“After Hasna’s crew failed to comply with repeated warnings, U.S. forces disabled the tanker’s rudder by firing several rounds from the 20mm cannon gun of a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72),” CENTCOM’s release said. “Hasna is no longer transiting to Iran.”
The U.S. declared a blockade targeting vessels to and from Iranian ports on April 13. As of Wednesday, CENTCOM said 52 commercial vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port to comply with the restrictions.
The strike marked the first confirmed use of aircraft cannon fire by CENTCOM to disable a vessel during blockade enforcement.
“The U.S. blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports remains in full effect. CENTCOM forces continue to act deliberately and professionally to ensure compliance,” CENTCOM said.
