The United States Navy has conducted a precision strike against an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, leaving three British-linked crew members missing, according to initial reports from maritime security sources. The operation, which took place in the early hours of Thursday morning, targeted the vessel suspected of carrying illicit cargo in violation of international sanctions. The Royal Navy has been notified and is coordinating with US Central Command to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing sailors, who are believed to be British nationals or residents.
No official statement has been issued by the Ministry of Defence, but Whitehall sources have confirmed that the situation is being treated as a priority. The incident threatens to escalate tensions in a waterway already fraught with geopolitical risk, where Iran and its proxies have previously harassed commercial shipping. The US military has defended the action as necessary to uphold maritime security, but critics warn of unintended consequences.
Search and rescue operations are underway.
