US Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship in Historic Strike, Triggers International Tensions
In a move that marks the first sinking of an enemy ship by torpedo since World War II, a US submarine has sunk an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka. The attack, confirmed by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, resulted in significant casualties and has sparked international controversy.
Attack Details
The IRIS Dena, a prized Iranian warship, was torpedoed by a US submarine 40 nautical miles off the city of Galle in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka on Monday, according to multiple sources. This attack, part of Operation Epic Fury
in Iran, was carried out using a Mark 48 torpedo, resulting in the immediate sinking of the warship.
Hegseth stated, An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo. Quiet death.
He emphasized that the sinking marks the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
The attack resulted in a heavy loss of life. According to the Sri Lankan navy, rescue efforts are currently underway for the Iranian frigate, which was manned by 180 people. At least 87 people were killed in the attack, with over 100 sailors still missing. Sri Lanka's navy has managed to rescue 79 people, and a search operation is ongoing for the remaining crew members.
Meanwhile, an oil slick, empty life rafts, and bodies of sailors were found by the Sri Lankan navy in the aftermath of the attack. We found people floating on the water,
said navy spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath.
International Reaction
The attack has sparked significant international controversy. Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, strongly condemned the attack, stating that the US perpetrated an atrocity at sea,
and vowed that the US will bitterly regret
the precedent it has set.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in the US Congress are reportedly split over the strikes against Iran, with Republicans broadly supporting President Donald Trump's decision, while Democrats criticize the operation as an undeclared war.
Conclusion
This attack comes as part of a wider military campaign against Iran and has significantly escalated tensions in the region. The US Central Command has reported that US forces have struck or sunk over 20 Iranian ships since the commencement of attacks on Tehran. As rescue operations continue, the world watches apprehensively as the conflict unfolds.