MSC Sariska V hit near Iraq, Iran says missile strike

A cargo ship was struck by an explosion southeast of Iraq's Port of Umm Qasr this week, an incident Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims as a retaliatory missile strike. The Panama-flagged container vessel MSC Sariska V, operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), reported being hit by two projectiles on Sunday or Monday, depending on differing reports, as it was departing the port. The company confirmed all crew members were safe and unharmed.

According to maritime security agency United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the vessel experienced a large explosion after a possible projectile impact on its starboard side approximately 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr. A second impact was reported, causing a fire that was later extinguished. Video footage circulating online showed a large hole in the ship's hull above the waterline, though the vessel remained operational and continued its voyage.

Iranian state media and the IRGC claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as a cruise missile strike targeting what they termed a "U.S.-owned" vessel. The IRGC stated the action was retaliation for a U.S. military operation on Friday...