Ignored Warnings – How the US Stopped a Panamanian Freighter

CENTCOM forces disabled the Panamanian freighter M/V Vela Nova with Hellfire missiles after the crew refused to comply. The vessel attempted to reach an Iranian port, bypassing the blockade. As of August 11, the US has diverted 55 ships, disabled 3, and taken control of 2.

Forces of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) disabled the engine room of the Panamanian freighter M/V Vela Nova using Hellfire missiles fired from an MH-60 helicopter. The incident occurred after the civilian crew refused to comply with US military demands and attempted to pass through the Gulf of Oman to an Iranian port, circumventing the active blockade. Command officials stated that the vessel is no longer heading to Iran. According to official data as of August 11, CENTCOM has already diverted 55 commercial vessels attempting to reach Iranian ports; 3 vessels that refused to comply were disabled, and 2 more came under full control of US forces. CENTCOM emphasized that the contingent is on high alert to prevent any attempts to break the blockade.