Post by : Bianca
Haleem
A U.S. submarine attacked and sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in international waters near Sri Lanka, resulting in 87 deaths. Thirty-two sailors survived the strike.
Legal experts say the attack does not appear to violate international or U.S. military law, as the Dena was a legitimate military target. “Targeting a military vessel is not a war crime,” said Marko Milanovic, a professor of international law at the University of Reading.
The Dena had recently participated in naval exercises hosted by India and was returning home. Experts note that its location and participation in exercises do not affect the legality of the strike. Rachel VanLandingham, a law professor and retired U.S. Air Force judge advocate, explained that a vessel’s potential to engage U.S. forces makes it a lawful target.
Questions remain about the rescue efforts after the attack. International law and U.S. military rules require taking all possible measures to save survivors. Practical limits, such as the small size of submarines, mean that U.S. forces often must alert nearby authorities instead of directly rescuing people.
The U.S. reportedly informed Sri Lankan authorities about the ship’s location to support rescue efforts. Sri Lanka’s navy dispatched ships and planes after receiving a distress signal. Commander Buddhika Sampath said rescuers found only oil patches, life rafts, and some sailors floating in the water.
Experts emphasize that details about the post-attack response are still unclear. “Without more information, it’s hard to evaluate possible measures,” said Brian Finucane, a former State Department legal adviser. Eugene Fidell, a Yale law professor, added that clarity on who did what and when is necessary before making judgments.
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