Navy vessels sank or crippled a total of 18 Iraqi vessels.

The squadron was credited with the destruction (sinking) of 22 Iraqi naval vessels during the conflict.

A total of 55 of the 108 Iraqi vessels destroyed during the conflict were targeted by P-3C aircraft.

Iran also said its artillery hit two Iraqi vessels that had been approaching the platforms, causing "heavy casualties."

For several days, the small, speedy special operations boats have been searching Iraqi vessels for mines, snipers and fleeing soldiers.

The ship was thought to be the first Iraqi vessel in almost eight years to enter the gulf shipping lanes.

Iranian coastal guns also sank three Iraqi vessels in the channel, it said.

Pentagon officials also provided new details today about an encounter several days ago between the American Navy and an Iraqi vessel.

The squadron also was credited with the confirmed destruction of 12 Iraqi naval vessels.

It was the first Iraqi vessel seized by American forces imposing the blockade.