IRGC targeted Israel-linked ship in Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN, Apr 4: Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Saturday they had targeted an Israel-linked vessel in the Strait of Hormuz in a drone strike, as tensions continue to disrupt shipping through one of the world's most critical energy corridors.

"A drone struck the vessel … linked to the Zionist regime in the Strait of Hormuz; the ship caught fire," the Guards' naval forces said in a post on social media, identifying the ship as the MSC Ishyka. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the attack or details on casualties or damage.

Despite the disruption, some vessels have managed to pass through with special arrangements. India said Saturday that an Indian-flagged tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) had safely transited the chokepoint.

"Green Sanvi has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 46,650 metric tonnes of LPG cargo with 25 seafarers on board," India's shipping ministry said in a statement, without specifying its destination.

New Delhi added that 17 Indian-flagged vessels, with around 460 Indian seafarers, remain in the western Persian Gulf region. Ship-tracking data also confirmed the movement of the tanker, which is among a handful of vessels to have crossed the strait in recent weeks.

According to Turkish officials, 15 ships owned by Turkish companies had initially been waiting to pass through the strait after the outbreak of hostilities on February 28. Only two have since made the crossing, both with Iranian permission and linked to trade involving Iranian ports.    �"AFP