An American military plane struck the stern of the commercial freighter M/V Huda in the Gulf of Oman with guided weapons on Nov. 7, disabling its propulsion after the vessel attempted to breach the naval blockade of Iran.
The M/V Huda, flagged under Saint Kitts and Nevis, was trying to leave regional waters after stopping at an Iranian port. American military officials instructed the civilian crew to evacuate targeted compartments before delivering the munitions, following multiple ignored warnings.
The action marks the 11th vessel disabled by U.S. Central Command since maritime blockade operations began in July. Naval forces enforcing the measures turned away or redirected 144 commercial ships through the end of October.
U.S. Central Command issued an advisory warning all mariners operating near Iranian coasts and surrounding waters to follow blockade instructions strictly. Earlier on Nov. 7, the military established Task Force Iron Gate, a Florida-based 20-person unit coordinating interagency work to halt Iranian ground commerce, shipments across the Caspian Sea, and weapons transfers.
