Gambians have been reacting online after a report claimed that the United States military says it “disabled” a Gambia-flagged vessel in international waters near the Gulf of Oman.

According to the report, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces observed the vessel, identified as M/V Lian Star, sailing towards an Iranian port and issued multiple warnings before taking action.

CENTCOM said the vessel was allegedly informed it was violating a US blockade and claimed that a US aircraft fired a Hellfire missile into its engine room after the crew failed to comply.

It added that the ship was subsequently stopped from continuing its journey.

The US military further claimed it has carried out similar operations against other commercial vessels as part of enforcing maritime restrictions.

The report, published by Al Jazeera, has triggered mixed reactions among Gambians online.

One commenter said: “I said it here last time, having Gambian documents or endorsement is just like buying a tissue paper in a shop. Just have money rek.”

Another commenter questioned the incident, asking what business the United States has with a vessel transiting through the Gulf of Oman.

The development has sparked wider discussion on maritime law, international sanctions, and the safety of commercial shipping in strategic waterways.

By Adama Makasuba