Earlier today, U.S. Central Command forces disabled the guidance and weapon-control system of the cargo ship M/V Vela Nova, flying the Panama flag; the ship was transiting the Gulf of Oman and, while moving toward one of Iran’s ports, intended to violate the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran.

After the ship’s civilian crew did not heed repeated warnings from U.S. forces, a U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles at the engine-room area of the Vela Nova.

The ship will no longer continue its course toward Iran and in violation of the U.S. maritime blockade; the blockade remains fully in effect.

As of August 11, CENTCOM forces have rerouted 55 commercial vessels attempting to bypass the blockade, stopped 3 non-compliant vessels from sailing, and boarded 2 ships for inspection.

U.S. forces deployed in the Middle East remain at the highest level of alert, with high combat capability, and are fully prepared.

- U.S. Central Command