US Submarine Sinks Iranian Frigate Off Sri Lanka Coast
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Sri Lanka: U.S. forces sank an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean on March 4, triggering a Sri Lankan navy rescue operation that recovered 32 survivors and bodies, officials said. U.S. officials and the Pentagon attributed the attack to a U.S. submarine; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the sinking as a torpedo strike and a naval action. Sri Lankan officials reported varying casualty and missing counts, with one deputy minister citing at least 80 dead and other sources reporting up to 148 missing. Iran and third parties have not released independent confirmations. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
Timeline
- 1. Feb 18–25: Iranian naval exercise held in Bay of Bengal.
- 2. Early March (reported Saturday): U.S.-aligned campaign against Iran began.
- 3. March 4: U.S. submarine reportedly torpedoed and sank IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka.
- 4. March 4: Sri Lankan navy recovered 32 survivors and multiple bodies.
- 5. March 4–5: Officials issued conflicting casualty and missing counts; investigations ongoing.