According to Xinhua News Agency, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on July 15 (local time) that US forces launched missiles at the M/T Belma oil tanker flying the Curacao flag when the ship was heading towards an Iranian port in the Arabian Gulf.
CENTCOM reported that this non-cargo ship ignored many warnings and tried to break the US blockade of Iranian ports.
A US military aircraft used Hellfire missiles to shoot at the ship's chimney when the ship was moving towards Kharg Island. The attack caused the ship to lose capability and be unable to continue its journey to Iran.
Previously, on July 14, the US announced the re-imposition of naval blockades on ships moving to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas.
Also on July 15, CENTCOM issued a notice stating that the US military had conducted two airstrikes targeting Iran.
