On October 6, 2026, American forces destroyed an Iranian-linked dhow in the Sea of Oman. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that this ship was conducting surveillance operations and targeting American warships. According to reports, the crew of the ship was safely transferred before the attack, and efforts to return them continue.
Details of the attack on the dhow
The United States Central Command announced that this ship, whose name has not been disclosed, was engaged in surveillance operations and likely played a role in identifying targets for future attacks on American vessels. No specific information has been provided regarding how the ship was destroyed or details of its surveillance activities.
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In a statement, CENTCOM said: "On October 6, American forces destroyed an Iranian-linked dhow that was conducting surveillance operations and targeting United States warships in the Sea of Oman." This announcement comes as reports indicate an increase in the use of small boats by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for identifying potential targets.
Increase in attacks on commercial vessels
According to news sources, Iranian forces are using unarmed boats to identify commercial vessels in order to intensify their efforts to restrict ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. This revelation follows a separate military attack by the United States on October 10 against the Panamanian cargo ship Ocean Molica, also known as Arika Sun. In this attack, an American fighter jet disabled the ship's engine after its crew ignored repeated warnings and attempted to violate the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran.
The operation on October 10 resulted in the number of commercial vessels that have resumed activity due to this blockade rising to four. CENTCOM also reported that since the re-implementation of the blockade on July 14, 135 ships have returned, and 10 tankers linked to the IRGC have been destroyed.
These developments come as attacks on commercial vessels in the region have accelerated. Two cargo ships, one flagged in Singapore named GFS Pride and the other flagged in Antigua and Barbuda named Cape Dao, sank yesterday after confirmed separate missile attacks against them.
In a statement, CENTCOM leveled accusations against the IRGC, accusing them of indiscriminately targeting civilian mariners and U.S. warships during this seven-month conflict.
The destruction of the dhow adds to a series of U.S. military actions against vessels in the Sea of Oman, where American forces continue to enforce the blockade, and Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz remain a serious threat.
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