3 Indian Sailors Killed in US Strikes Near Oman Revive Memories of Iran Air Flight 655 Tragedy
Three Indian sailors were killed in US strikes on commercial vessels near Oman, bringing renewed attention to the 1988 Iran Air Flight 655 tragedy that claimed 290 lives.
Deadly Gulf Incident Raises Questions Over Civilian Safety During Military Operations
June 2026: The deaths of three Indian sailors in recent US military strikes near the coast of Oman have reignited global concerns about the risks faced by civilians operating in conflict zones. The incident has also brought renewed attention to one of the most controversial episodes in modern military history — the destruction of Iran Air Flight 655 by the US Navy in 1988, which killed all 290 people onboard, including 10 Indian nationals.
India has strongly protested the attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members in the Gulf of Oman, describing the use of lethal force against civilian shipping as unacceptable. The developments have intensified diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Washington and raised difficult questions about accountability and the protection of civilian lives during military confrontations.
India Lodges Strong Protest Against US Naval Actions
The Indian government summoned US officials and expressed serious concerns over multiple attacks on merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers.
According to Indian authorities, three ships with Indian crew members were targeted by US forces in the Gulf region during the week.
The first vessel, Marivex, a Palau-flagged oil tanker carrying 24 Indian sailors, was struck on June 8 and disabled, though all crew members were rescued safely.
A second tanker, Settebello, also sailing under the Palau flag, came under attack on June 10. The strike resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers among the 24 Indian crew members onboard.
The third vessel, Jalveer, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker carrying 20 Indian sailors, was attacked on June 12. Authorities later confirmed that all crew members on this vessel survived.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that such attacks threaten the safety of international maritime trade and demanded greater caution from military forces operating in the region.
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