The U.S. military announced on October 10 that an American fighter jet had struck a Panama-flagged commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman, completely disabling its propulsion system with a precision-guided munition. The vessel, identified as M/V Ocean Molica, also known as Arika Sun, was reportedly attempting to breach a U.S. naval blockade against Iran after departing an Iranian port. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the ship's crew had ignored repeated warnings before the strike. No crew members were injured, according to the military.
In a statement published on X, CENTCOM said the fighter jet targeted the vessel's stern, leaving the ship without operational propulsion. The military described the action as a response to the vessel's attempt to transit regional waters despite the blockade. Details concerning the cargo, intended destination and subsequent handling of the disabled ship were not provided. Reuters reported that it was unable to immediately reach the bulk carrier's operator for comment.
Following the incident, CENTCOM issued a warning to commercial shipping operators in the Gulf of Oman and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz. Mariners were instructed to comply with blockade notices, monitor maritime safety broadcasts and maintain communication with U.S. naval forces. The announcement came as American military operations continued to restrict maritime access to and from Iranian ports.
The strike coincided with a sharp decline in commercial vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, shipping traffic through the waterway had fallen to its lowest level in more than two months, following an increase in attacks on tankers during the previous week. Those attacks reached their highest frequency since the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran in February, adding to disruptions across regional shipping routes.
Before the outbreak of the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz handled maritime shipments equivalent to approximately 20% of global oil consumption. The waterway connects major Gulf energy exporters with international markets and carries crude oil, liquefied natural gas and petrochemical cargoes. The latest military action took place amid reduced vessel traffic, repeated tanker security incidents and continuing restrictions on commercial shipping near Iran.
