US destroys Iranian warship off Sri Lankan coast; more than 100 sailors missing, 78 injured

An Iranian navy warship, the Iris Dena, was reportedly sunk by a submarine off the coast of Sri Lanka. More than 100 sailors are missing and 78 injured in the accident, Reuters reported, citing the Sri Lankan Navy and the Defense Ministry. The United States has taken responsibility for the attack.

The incident took place in international waters, about 40 nautical miles from the Sri Lankan port city of Galle. The Sri Lankan military sent ships and aircraft for rescue operations after receiving a distress call from the sinking ship. About 180 sailors were on board the ship at the time of the early morning attack. The ship sank when it sank.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told parliament that 30 of the injured sailors had already been transferred to hospitals in southern Sri Lanka. Preparations have been made to bring more sailors to the main hospital in Galway, 115 km from Colombo.

The Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force are jointly searching for the remaining personnel. Navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath said they intervened because the ship was within their search and rescue area in accordance with international law.

Although the exact cause of the sinking has not been officially confirmed, the incident took place in the context of the US and Israeli attacks on Iran last week and the subsequent tensions. Iran's Revolutionary Guard had declared that they had full control of the Strait of Hormuz. They also warned that there was a missile threat to ships passing through this route. US President Donald Trump had stated that the US Navy is ready to provide protection to oil tankers.

The 'Iris Dena' is one of the most modern ships in the Iranian navy. The sinking of this ship is a major military setback for Iran. The full extent of the damage is yet to be determined as the rescue operation continues.