The UK Maritime Trade Operations announced that as of October 1, 2023, 20 attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz have been reported. In all cases, the ships were targeted by 'unknown projectiles', raising concerns about maritime security in the region.
Increased Intensity of Attacks
According to the organization's report, the intensity of attacks on ships has increased in recent days. For instance, two of these attacks were recorded on Wednesday and four others on October 11. Additionally, tracking devices on three ships that were targeted in these attacks were turned off. This action is a common tactic for vessels attempting to pass through these waters without drawing attention, but the organization emphasized that this does not provide 'effective protection against attack'.
Read more: Increase in Maritime Casualties Following Attacks on Commercial Ships
Threats and New Strategies of the Islamic Republic
Marisks reported that the ongoing attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz indicate that vessels passing through this strait expose themselves to a 'critical and highly unpredictable threat to maritime security'. This threat includes commercial ships of any flag, cargo, or direction of passage. The bulletin from this entity also noted that three of the vessels attacked this week were managed by a single company. This raises concerns about the possibility of targeting ships based on their connection to the operating company.
In the wake of these attacks, senior officials of the Islamic Republic have announced that new strategies for targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz have been implemented. These officials stated that these strategies have been operationalized to increase oil prices and influence the U.S. midterm elections. According to one of these officials, these attacks began about 10 days ago and their type and rhythm have changed.
Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of War, warned that if the Islamic Republic fires on U.S. ships, U.S. forces will 'destroy and sink' their tankers.
Read more: 40 to 45 Percent Increase in Smuggling Discoveries in the First Half of This Year · Trump Administration Announced Oil and Gas Extraction in Greenland
