CENTCOM Disables Panama-Flagged Cargo Vessel Attempting to Run Iran Blockade in Gulf of Oman

GULF OF OMAN — On October 10, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces disabled the Panama-flagged commercial cargo vessel M/V Ocean Molica, also known as the Arika Sun, in the Gulf of Oman after its crew ignored repeated warnings and attempted to run the ongoing U.S. naval blockade against ships entering or departing Iranian ports.

A U.S. military fighter jet struck the stern of the vessel with a precision munition, fully disabling the ship’s propulsion without harming the crew. The large cargo vessel was attempting to transit regional waters after having previously departed an Iranian port, CENTCOM said.

CENTCOM forces resumed the blockade against all ships entering or departing Iranian ports on July 14 at the Commander in Chief’s direction.

Four commercial vessels have been disabled and 135 ships have been turned around during three months of strict enforcement. U.S. forces have also destroyed 10 tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ multibillion-dollar shadow network over the same period, the command said.

CENTCOM Disables Non-Compliant Cargo Vessel

• On October 10, CENTCOM forces disabled the Panama-flagged M/V Ocean Molica, also known as the Arika Sun, in the Gulf of Oman after its crew ignored repeated warnings and attempted to run the blockade.

• A U.S. military fighter jet struck the stern with a precision munition, fully disabling the ship’s propulsion without harming the crew, CENTCOM said.

• The vessel had previously departed an Iranian port and was attempting to transit regional waters.

• Since the blockade resumed on July 14, four commercial vessels have been disabled, 135 ships have been turned around, and 10 tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ shadow network have been destroyed, according to CENTCOM.

• On October 5, CENTCOM reported redirecting the 130th commercial vessel, with three ships disabled for non-compliance and 13 commercial vessels destroyed over the prior 12 weeks.

Official Statements

• U.S. Central Command, October 10: “U.S. Forces Disable Cargo Vessel Attempting to Violate Blockade TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces disabled a commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman, Oct. 10, after the ship’s crew ignored repeated warnings and attempted to run the ongoing naval blockade against Iran. A U.S. military fighter jet struck the stern of Panama-flagged M/V Ocean Molica (also known as the “Arika Sun”) with a precision munition, fully disabling the ship’s propulsion without harming the crew. The large cargo vessel was attempting to transit regional waters after having previously departed an Iranian port. CENTCOM forces resumed America’s blockade against all ships entering or departing Iranian ports on July 14. Four commercial vessels have been disabled and 135 ships have been turned around during three months of strict enforcement. Additionally, U.S. forces have destroyed 10 tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ multibillion-dollar shadow network over the same period. All mariners are advised to heed blockade warnings from CENTCOM forces. Crews should also continue to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact U.S. naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz approaches.”

• Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, October 5: “The U.S. military remains intensely focused on this mission. We will swiftly act against any vessels trying to run the blockade. Our forces are highly trained, professional, and lethal.”