An American airstrike in the Gulf of Oman struck a tanker, resulting in the deaths of three Indian sailors. Evidence indicates the vessel was stationary at the time of the attack, contradicting initial assumptions about its movement.

While the ship was not actively moving when the strike occurred, it had been involved in clandestine operations, specifically risky offshore transfers of oil. These transfers are part of what is described as a 'shadow fleet' of tankers, often operating under a veil of secrecy, and are frequently associated with evading international sanctions.

The incident raises significant questions about the intelligence leading to the airstrike and the risks associated with targeting vessels involved in such complex and often illicit oil trading networks. The U.S. military has not yet released a detailed statement on the specific intelligence that prompted the strike on this particular tanker.