TEHRAN – An Iranian warship was hit by a friendly fire missile during naval exercises, killing 19 sailors, state media and the army said Monday, amid tensions with the United States in Gulf waters.
The incident involving the Konarak vessel occurred on Sunday afternoon near Bandar-e Jask, off the southern coast of the Islamic republic, state television’s website said.
“The vessel was hit after moving a practice target to its destination and not creating enough distance between itself and the target,” said the channel.
Nineteen crewmen were killed and 15 injured in an “accident” during the exercises, the armed forces said, without elaborating.
The vessel had been towed ashore for “technical investigations”, it said in a statement, calling on people to “avoid speculation” until further information is released. (AFP)
