Brussels: US forces conducted a maritime interdiction operation and boarded a "sanctioned stateless" vessel in the Indian Ocean, the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) said on Friday. INDOPACOM said on the US social media company X that the US forces carried out a "maritime interdiction and right-of-visit boarding" of the vessel MT DAVINA, which was located in the Indian Ocean within the command's area of responsibility.

According to Anadolu Agency, the command stated that the operation took place overnight but did not provide further details regarding the vessel's cargo, crew, or destination. INDOPACOM highlighted that the action was part of broader efforts to disrupt illicit maritime networks and enforce sanctions.

The command further asserted its commitment to global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran, emphasizing that such vessels and actors would not be permitted to use international waters to evade enforcement measures. "International waters cannot be used as a shield by sanctioned actors," it stated.

Additionally, the statement from the command reiterated that the Department of War is determined to deny illicit actors and their vessels freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain. However, no information was provided regarding detentions, seizures, or any injuries during the operation.