The UAE Ministry of Defence reported on Tuesday that two oil tankers, flagged in the United Arab Emirates, were struck by missiles in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred during a passage through the vital waterway, specifically in the southern section of the strait while the vessels were located in Omani territorial waters. The two tankers involved were the Mombasa and Al Bahiyah.
According to the Ministry, the attacks resulted in material damage to both vessels, prompting fires to break out onboard. Casualties were reported among the crew. One Indian crew member was killed aboard the Mombasa.
Additionally, eight other personnel sustained injuries, four of whom were reported as seriously wounded. The Ministry specified the nationalities of the injured, noting that six were Indian nationals and two were Ukrainian nationals. The attack highlights ongoing tensions in the region’s critical maritime routes.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passage for global energy transport, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. The incident underscores the security concerns surrounding maritime traffic through this vital choke point connecting the Arabian Peninsula to international shipping lanes. The UAE Ministry of Defence provided these details following the passage of the tankers through the area.
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