Working on a ship is a way to provide for a family back home. For several Indian sailors, a job at sea just turned into a death trap.

WHAT HAPPENED

The U.S. military is using strikes to stop ships off the coast of Oman. They say these ships are breaking a blockade. The U.S. claims the vessels are carrying illegal goods and weapons.

During these strikes, several Indian sailors were killed. These men were working on the ships when the missiles hit. Oman’s military had to step in to save dozens of other sailors from the sinking boats.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is leading the effort. He says the blockade is a must to keep the region safe. He did not answer questions about whether hitting these ships is a war crime.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

U.S. missiles hit multiple ships off the coast of Oman.

• Several Indian sailors are confirmed dead from the strikes.
• Oman's military rescued dozens of other crew members.
• The U.S. says the ships were carrying illicit goods.
• The strikes are part of a plan to stop weapons from moving.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

When a superpower uses force to stop trade, who pays the price? We have to ask if the lives of low-wage workers are being treated as a cost of doing business.

Are these sailors part of a war, or are they just caught in the middle? If the U.S. can hit civilian ships to stop cargo, it changes the rules for everyone on the water.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Families in India are now waiting for news or for bodies to come home. This will make it much harder for shipping companies to find workers for these routes. It also puts pressure on the U.S. to explain why it is using lethal force on ships with civilian crews.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. How many sailors were killed in total during these strikes?
2. Did the crew members know what was in the cargo they were carrying?
3. Will the Indian government take action against the U.S. for the deaths of its citizens?