U.S. strike off Oman kills three Indian sailors
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- U.S. Central Command said a U.S. aircraft fired precision munitions into the engine room of the Palau‑flagged tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with American directions.
- Three Indian sailors were confirmed dead when their bodies were located and identified, as announced by Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
- India summoned the U.S. deputy chief of mission to lodge a strong protest over the strike, after its foreign ministry condemned the attack and noted 21 Indian sailors had been rescued.
- The U.S. blockade that began on April 13 has disabled eight non‑compliant vessels, redirected 134 compliant ships, and permitted 42 humanitarian‑aid vessels to pass.
- The Omani Navy responded to the Settebello’s distress call after an engine fire following the U.S. strike, according to British maritime risk management group Vanguard.
- Arsenio Dominguez, secretary‑general of the UN International Maritime Organization, condemned the act as endangering seafarers and international shipping safety.
Why it matters: India loses three citizens and faces heightened diplomatic friction with the United States, while the United States continues its blockade that disrupts Iran‑linked oil shipments and raises safety concerns for global maritime traffic, prompting UN criticism of the growing risk to seafarers.
