New footage has been released of the spectacular operation to seize the cargo ship Tuska, which attempted to break the US naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman.
The video released by the Central Command (CENTCOM) captures frame by frame the operation of the American marines. The special forces are seen taking off in helicopters from the USS Tripoli and then making a rope descent onto the deck of the Iranian ship.
U.S. Marines depart amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) by helicopter and transit over the Arabian Sea to board and seize M/V Touska. The Marines rappelled onto the Iranian-flagged vessel, April 19, after guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) disabled Touska’s…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM)
“Full control” under Trump’s orders
He confirmed last night that the vessel, which carried the flag of Iran.
According to the American president, the ship attempted to escape the strict naval blockade imposed by the US on Iranian ports, leading to the immediate intervention of the security forces.
How did the boat stop?
Before the Marines’ final assault, the Tuska’s propulsion system had been disabled. The American destroyer USS Spruance had opened fire with its Mark 45 gun, aimed directly at the cargo ship’s engine room to immobilize it.
CENTCOM has released video showing the destroyer USS Spruance firing its main gun at the Iranian-flagged cargo vessel Touska as it attempted to breach the U.S. blockade.
— Clash Report (@clashreport)
Six hours of warnings
US forces claimed they had exhausted all diplomatic and communication channels before using force. Specifically, they issued repeated warnings to the ship’s crew, warnings that lasted six hours, without the Iranian vessel complying with the instructions.
The move is expected to further escalate tensions in the region, with Tehran already warning of harsh retaliation against what it calls an “act of armed piracy”.
