US submarine torpedoes Iranian warship in Indian Ocean
US Submarine Strikes Iranian Warship in Indian Ocean
The Pentagon announced that the U.S. Navy successfully sank an enemy vessel using a torpedo, marking the first such operation since the end of World War II. This event occurred in international waters near Sri Lanka, where the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena had reportedly issued a distress signal. Sri Lanka’s military initially reported rescuing more than 30 crew members from the frigate, which was located just 40 kilometers south of the island’s coastline.
Confirming the Attack
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth affirmed the military action, stating that a submarine had targeted the Iranian warship in international waters. “An American submarine struck an Iranian warship that believed it was secure in international waters, only to be brought down by a torpedo,” Hegseth explained to reporters. He highlighted the U.S. military’s global reach as it intensifies its conflict with Iran.
Rescue and Aftermath
Sri Lankan Navy spokesperson Buddhika Sampath clarified that the country’s forces responded to the distress call under its international obligations, as the incident fell within its search and rescue zone. By the time local ships arrived, the frigate had already sunk, leaving behind oil slicks and life rafts. Crew members were spotted floating in the water, though the exact cause of the frigate’s demise remained unclear.
A Sri Lankan defense official told AFP that the search for survivors was ongoing, with 32 sailors rescued and transported to a hospital in Galle. The frigate’s crew totaled 180, and authorities later confirmed 87 bodies were recovered. Sri Lankan officials initially withheld details about the sinking, contradicting early reports from unnamed sources that suggested a submarine was involved.
Frigate Specifications
The IRIS Dena, a domestically built light frigate, operates in deep waters for the Iranian navy. It is equipped with surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes, and can accommodate a single helicopter. Its presence in the region underscores Iran’s strategic maritime deployment.
The incident has sparked discussions about the evolving dynamics of naval warfare in the Indian Ocean. Hegseth described the attack as a “quiet death,” emphasizing its significance as a milestone in the U.S. effort to outmaneuver Iran’s naval capabilities. “Like in that war,” he added, “we are fighting to win.”
To view related footage, enable JavaScript and upgrade to a web browser supporting HTML5 video.
