In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Indian Ocean, the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was struck by a US submarine torpedo off the coast of Sri Lanka.
The incident occurred on March 4, when the vessel sent out a distress call to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo.
The ship was located approximately 20 nautical miles from Galle, within Sri Lanka’s designated maritime responsibility zone. Responding swiftly, the Indian Navy deployed a vessel and aircraft to assist in search and rescue operations.
Reports indicate that most of the sailors aboard the Iranian frigate were killed in the attack. The IRIS Dena had recently participated in a naval drill in India before this tragic incident.
The sinking underscores the growing volatility in the Middle East and its spillover into the Indian Ocean, raising concerns about regional security and maritime stability.
