Eight US Marines Injured in Iranian Missile Strike in Strait of Hormuz

Eight US Marines were injured when an Iranian anti-ship cruise missile struck a vessel they were operating on in the Strait of Hormuz on September 14, NBC News reported, citing three US officials.

The incident had not been publicly disclosed when it occurred. The Marines suffered smoke inhalation and symptoms consistent with concussions, including headaches, while officials said none of the injuries was considered serious.

Seven of the injured Marines were enlisted personnel and one was an officer. All eight returned to duty shortly after the attack, according to the US officials cited by NBC News.

Marines Were Aboard Non-US Navy Vessel

The Marines were serving as part of a battalion landing team when the missile struck the vessel, according to the officials.

The vessel was not a US Navy warship. US officials did not disclose its type or ownership, referring to it only as a maritime vessel.

The US Central Command declined to comment on the incident when contacted by NBC News.

Injuries Added to US Military Records

Details of the attack and the injuries emerged nearly two weeks after the September 14 incident.

The eight Marines were subsequently added to the Pentagon’s Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS). US officials said casualty reporting can sometimes be delayed because certain symptoms may appear later and the database does not update in real time.

The incident adds to the number of US service members reported injured during the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Major Conflict Zone

The Strait of Hormuz has become a major military and maritime flashpoint during the US-Iran conflict.

The strategic waterway is also one of the world’s most important energy routes, meaning continued attacks and security incidents could affect international shipping and global oil supplies.

The latest disclosure provides new details about the risks faced by US forces operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz, although information about the targeted vessel and the circumstances of the missile strike remains limited.