US Neutralizes Ship Violating Iran Blockade with Helicopter Missiles

The United States has neutralized a Panama-flagged vessel that attempted to violate the maritime blockade against Iran by firing missiles from a helicopter.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on X on the 11th (local time) that "the Panama-flagged cargo ship Bellanova attempted to sail toward an Iranian port, violating the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran, prompting U.S. forces to neutralize its steering system."

CENTCOM explained that the crew ignored repeated warnings from U.S. forces, and that a U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire air-to-surface precision-guided missiles into the engine room of the Bellanova.

It added that the vessel is no longer able to navigate and that the comprehensive enforcement of the U.S. blockade against Iran remains in effect.

CENTCOM further elaborated that as of this day, it has guided 55 commercial vessels attempting to violate the blockade to alternative routes, while neutralizing 3 uncooperative vessels and conducting boardings on 2 others.

It emphasized that "U.S. forces remain in a state of high readiness, maintaining robust combat power and preparedness to execute operations."

Earlier, the U.S. daily The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing U.S. officials, that U.S. military helicopters had fired upon a vessel attempting to breach the maritime blockade against Iran.

Citing a British maritime security company, the WSJ reported that the Bellanova was struck by missiles fired from a helicopter while sailing westward in the Gulf of Oman, about 71 nautical miles (131 kilometers) off the coast of Pakistan, and that the safety of all 17 crew members has been confirmed.

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.