SouthernWorldwide.com – U.S. destroyers USS Truxtun and USS Mason were subjected to a second wave of Iranian attacks on Thursday as they transited the Strait of Hormuz, facing a more intense and prolonged assault than the one they encountered just days prior.
American officials, speaking anonymously as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, revealed to CBS News that the warships faced a fierce engagement with Iranian fast-attack boats. These boats maneuvered close enough to necessitate the U.S. warships opening fire to maintain a safe distance.
The confrontation spanned several hours, during which the U.S. vessels and supporting aircraft employed a multi-layered defense strategy. This included the use of their five-inch naval guns and close-in weapon systems, known as CIWS. Personnel on deck also utilized small-caliber guns to engage the attacking boats.
Further bolstering the defense, American Apache helicopters fired Hellfire missiles and .50-caliber machine guns, with additional aircraft providing aerial support. Iranian forces also deployed drones and missiles during the encounter, according to the officials.
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As of the time of reporting, there were no confirmed casualties or damage sustained by the U.S. ships.
This incident follows a similar event on Monday, when CBS News first reported that the USS Truxtun and USS Mason had successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Persian Gulf after evading an Iranian onslaught. That earlier engagement also involved Iranian small boats, missiles, and drones, which officials characterized as a sustained barrage.
Despite the significant intensity of both attacks, neither of the U.S. Navy destroyers was hit.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
