Attacks on tankers and commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified in recent days. These developments occur as the United States and Iran exchange sharper warnings, while diplomatic efforts to end these tensions continue.
Details of the Attack on Tankers
In the latest incident, a tanker heading southeast in the Arabian Gulf was targeted by two unknown projects near 72 nautical miles east of Ras Al Khafji, Saudi Arabia. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), all crew members are in good health and no environmental pollution has been reported.
Read more: U.S. Treasury Secretary: Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has returned to pre-conflict levels
In another incident, on Sunday, UKMTO received a report of a ship that was targeted by a project in the Strait of Hormuz. This ship was identified by Vanguard Maritime Security as the tugboat Selat Storm, owned by the United Arab Emirates, which is sinking. The status of the crew on this ship remains unclear.
Attacks on LNG Ships and Claims by the Revolutionary Guard
Qatar's Nakilat company also confirmed that its LNG ship named Al Mayeda was targeted by unknown objects on Friday. This ship is currently operational and its crew is safe. Doha condemned this attack and has initiated an investigation.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran has claimed that several tankers have hit mines located in the southern maritime corridor, which Tehran considers unauthorized. The identity of these ships has not been determined, and these claims remain unverified.
Reports indicate that Iran has recently pointed to the large South Korean tanker, Sinokor, as a target for operational actions, which will begin on November 1.
Read more: Attack on the LNG ship 'Al Mayeda' with the Marshall Islands flag near the Strait of Hormuz · Tanzanian fleet AS Dream rescued in sinking incident off the coast of Cyprus
