Friday, 29 September 2023 – 07:43 WIB
VIVA – An attack helicopter belonging to the United States Marine Corps (USMC), became the laser target of a warship from an elite Iranian military unit in the Persian Gulf, Wednesday 27 September 2023 evening local time.
Warships belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), directed laser beams at attack helicopters Bell AH-1Zwho was on patrol.
The actions of this elite Iranian unit immediately drew criticism from the United States military. Spokesperson for United States Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), Commander (Colonel) Rick Chernitzer, confirmed the incident.
In its statement, the United States Naval Forces Central Command called the action of the Iranian warship an irresponsible provocation.
VIVA Military: Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warship
“The interaction occurred at around 19.30 local time. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGCN) Navy interacted in an unsafe and unprofessional manner with an attack helicopter AH-1Z Viper,” ujar Chernitzer.
“The IRGCN ship shone lasers several times at the plane while it was flying. Fortunately, no casualties were reported and the plane was not damaged,” he was quoted as saying VIVA Military from Iran International.
The attack helicopter was assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and took off from a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD-5)which is under the control of the United States Navy’s 5th Fleet.
After this incident, Chernitzer emphasized that United States Navy forces would continue to carry out operations in the Persian Gulf.
VIVA Military: United States Marine Corps Bell AH-1Z attack helicopter
Chernitzer claims this action is in accordance with international law, in order to uphold regional maritime security, especially in this area.
“US Naval forces remain vigilant and will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows while promoting regional maritime security,” Chernitzer said.
This incident is the second time in the last six years. Previously, Iranian military warships had done the same thing in 2017.
At that time, three Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warships also shone lasers at a United States Marine helicopter flying from the USS Bataan in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
2023-09-29 00:43:29
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