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Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Tape Shows Iranian Boats Surrounding U.S. War Ships
Jan. 8, 2008
US Releases Dramatic Video of Iran Boat Incident
Tape
Shows Iranian Boats Surrounding U.S. War Ships, Ignoring Order to Leave
STRAIT OF HORTMUZ: The U.S. Navy released dramatic video and audio of
this weekend's stand-off with Iran. The video shows Iranian speedboats
swarming around three American warships going through the strategically
vital Strait of Hormuz.
On the tape, the crew of the destroyer USS Hopper can be heard repeatedly warning the Iranian boats to identify themselves and move away. "I am engaged in transit passage in accordance with international law," a sailor on the bridge of the USS Hopper says. "I intend no harm."
As the Iranian boats get closer, the USS Hopper sounds its horns. "You are approaching coalition warships," the USS Hopper's crew warns. "You are straying into danger and may be subject to defensive measures. ... Request you alter course immediately to remain clear."
It is at that point that a heavily accented voice can be heard over the radio, apparently coming from the Iranians. "I am coming to you," the voice says. "You will explode after a few minutes..."
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Source/continues: http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=4105110&page=1
Categories: Counter-Terrorism, Military, Political/Diplomatic/Economic