According to available information, a fire broke out on board the ship after a torpedo hit, followed by a powerful explosion. Preliminary reports indicate that most of the sailors aboard the frigate perished.
The Iranian frigate IRIS Dena was attacked in international waters of the Indian Ocean, approximately 40 kilometers from the city of Galle. Out of 180 crew members, 87 died, 32 were rescued, while the fate of the others remains unknown.
The government of Sri Lanka reported that the frigate IRIS Dena sent a distress signal while in the specified area. The vessel was returning home after participating in the naval exercises MILAN 2026, which took place in Visakhapatnam (India).
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth noted at a briefing: "This is the first sinking of an enemy vessel by a torpedo since World War II." According to him, the United States is achieving success in this conflict.
It is worth reminding that the escalation of tension in the Middle East has been ongoing for six days due to operations by Israel and the US under the codename "Lion's Roar." President Donald Trump stated that military actions will continue until all set goals are achieved.
