Post by : Shakul

Galle, Sri Lanka / Indian Ocean — On 4 March 2026, the Iranian naval frigate IRIS Dena was struck and sunk by a torpedo fired from a U.S. Navy submarine in the Indian Ocean, approximately **20–40 nautical miles off the southern coast of Galle, Sri Lanka. The attack occurred while the vessel was returning to Iran after participating in a multinational naval exercise hosted by India.

U.S. Defense officials confirmed the submarine launched a heavyweight Mark 48 torpedo, marking one of the rare uses of submarine-launched torpedoes against a surface warship in modern times. Iran has condemned the strike as a war crime and a violation of international law.

Sri Lankan maritime authorities responded to the distress signal from IRIS Dena and initiated search-and-rescue operations. The Sri Lanka Navy recovered 32 injured sailors, who were transported to hospitals in Galle for medical care. 84–87 bodies of Iranian sailors were recovered and are being prepared for repatriation to Tehran at the request of Iranian officials.

The attack has added a new flashpoint to the broader U.S.–Iran conflict, originally centered on the Middle East, raising concerns over escalation far beyond the Persian Gulf. Tehran has strongly protested the sinking and surrounding response, accusing Washington of unjustified aggression and obstruction of rescue efforts.

Sri Lanka, while maintaining neutrality in the conflict, upheld international maritime obligations by aiding survivors and securing another Iranian naval support ship IRIS Bushehr, which was taken under escort after reporting engine trouble. Colombo has been navigating complex diplomatic pressure from both the United States and Iran as it manages the humanitarian and legal dimensions of the incident.

The crisis continues to unfold, with global powers watching closely as tensions ripple across trade routes, maritime security, and regional alliances.

Disclaimer: The information and visuals in this content are collected from publicly available and third-party sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and relevance, some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change. This content is shared in good faith for informational purposes only. Viewers are advised to verify details through official or reliable sources before drawing conclusions. Corrections are welcome. If any information is found to be inaccurate, kindly email us at newsibleasia@gmail.com

0