The US military conducted a “maritime interdiction and boarding” of the M/F Tifani, a “stateless sanctioned” vessel, during the overnight hours, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday.
The interception occurred under US INDOPACOM’s area of responsibility. INDOPACOM is the US Indo-Pacific Command, responsible for the Indian and Pacific oceans and surrounding areas. INDOPACOM is not responsible for the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz, which fall under the US Central Command.
However, the Pentagon states that the Tifani was tied to Iranian smuggling activity.
“As we have made clear, we will pursue global maritime enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran – anywhere they operate,” the Pentagon wrote.
“International waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels. The Department of War will continue to deny illicit actors and their vessels freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain,” it added.
The Pentagon also published video footage of the military boarding the vessel.
The US has called its sanctions enforcement against Iran and pro-Iran militias operation “Economic Fury,” mirroring Operation Epic Fury, the name for the US strikes on Iran since February.
Source:
www.jpost.com
