Iran war veterans swim to honor victims of US inhuman act

In a remarkable display of solidarity, a group of disabled war veterans swims in the Persian Gulf, commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of the passengers aboard an Iranian civilian aircraft tragically downed by a US Navy guided-missile cruiser.

These war veterans, deprived of the blessing of limbs, took to the waters in a symbolic act as a tribute to the victims of this heinous act by the US.

On July 3, 1988, tragedy struck when the USS Vincennes launched missiles at an Iran Air Airbus A300B2, causing it to disintegrate and crash into the waters of the Persian Gulf.

The flight was carrying 274 passengers and 16 crew members, all of whom tragically lost their lives, including 66 children. US officials maintained that the USS Vincennes had mistakenly identified the Iran Air Flight 655 as a warplane.

It's worth noting that the warship was equipped with advanced radar systems and electronic battle gear when the incident occurred.

In a surprising turn of events, Captain William C. Rogers, the commanding officer of the cruiser, was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing in 1990.

He received a medal from former President George H. W. Bush who recognized his "outstanding service" during operations in the Persian Gulf.

Today marks the anniversary of this tragic event that that remains etched in the collective memory of the Iranian nation. The anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh truth that for the US the concept of human rights is synonymous with nothing less than acts amounting to crimes against humanity.

AG/AG