FLASH
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Three Indian sailors have been confirmed dead after an attack by US forces on an Iran-linked tanker in the Gulf of Oman, an incident that is causing strong reactions in India.
The news was announced by Indian Minister of Ports, Maritime Transport and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, who said that the three crew members, initially reported missing, have been found dead and identified by authorities.
"It is a great loss for our maritime community," Sonowal said, expressing condolences to the families of the victims.
The Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello was hit while sailing in the Strait of Oman. There were 24 people on board, 21 of whom were rescued.
Following the incident, India officially condemned the attack and summoned the US diplomatic representative in New Delhi for clarification, lodging an official protest over the incident.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), a US aircraft struck the ship's engine room with precision munitions after the crew disobeyed repeated orders from US forces. US authorities claim the ship was part of an Iranian oil transportation network, a target of a US-imposed naval blockade.
Minister Sonowal announced that Indian authorities are working for the immediate repatriation of the surviving crew members, as well as for the return of the bodies of the victims to their families.
The event is expected to increase diplomatic tensions between India and the United States, at a time when relations between the two countries have experienced some difficult moments.
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